Podcasts by Rick Steves Europe Video
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O?wi?cim, Poland: Auschwitz from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.408238
From 1941 until 1945, the unassuming regional capital of O?wi?cim was the home of Auschwitz, the biggest, most notorious concentration camp in the Nazi system. Today, Auschwitz is the most poignant...
ListenNaples' Archaeological Museum from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.402077
For lovers of antiquity, the National Museum of Archaeology by itself makes Naples a worthwhile stop. The city's one essential museum visit offers the best possible peek into the art of Pompeii. Fo...
ListenVenice Side-Trips: Verona from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.388731
The mainland surrounding Venice — the Veneto — is one of the overlooked corners of Italy. If you like Italy but don't need world-class sights, the Veneto's Verona is a joy, with its wealth of Roman...
ListenDenmark Beyond Copenhagen: Legoland and Aarhus from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.384712
Rick visits Scandinavia's top kids' sight: Legoland. Then it's on to Denmark's second-largest city — Aarhus — which bustles with a lively port, an important university, a busy pedestrian boulevard,...
ListenTravel Skills: Staying Healthy from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.380640
Being on vacation can be exhausting. Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, drink lots of water and juice, and pace yourself. If you do get sick, a good first stop for medical advice is the neighborhood...
ListenKraków, Poland: Countryside and the Wieliczka Salt Mine from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.374903
After eight centuries of producing salt, the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine is busy not with miners, but with tourists. They come to see the sculptures, 20 chapels, and enormous church, all carved ...
ListenIstanbul, Turkey: Cosmopolitan New Town from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.369367
To get a full and balanced appreciation for today's Istanbul, you must leave the old town and explore the lively, more cosmopolitan neighborhoods. Experience urban Istanbul by hiking the entire len...
ListenPeloponnese, Greece: Magnificent Monemvasia from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.363603
Often referred to as the "Gibraltar of Greece," Monemvasia is a virtual showcase of Byzantine, Turkish, and Venetian history dating back to the 13th century. Worth climbing: the steep zigzag path t...
ListenHebrides, Scotland: The Isles of Iona and Mull from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.362450
Regardless of the weather, a tour of Iona and Mull offers the best one-day look at dramatic and historic Hebrides Island scenery. After bussing across Mull, it's a one-mile ferry ride to the sleepy...
ListenBacharach, Germany: Castles and Cozy Beds from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.356987
The historic town of Bacharach makes a fine home base for exploring Germany's Rhine River Valley. Like other towns along the river, Bacharach has a long tradition of vintners making wine and offeri...
ListenCentral Croatia: Plitvice Lakes National Park from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.352645
One of Europe's top natural wonders is Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park. Imagine Niagara Falls sliced and diced and sprinkled over a vast and heavily forested canyon. It's a lush and unforget...
ListenTangier, Morocco: Europe Meets Africa from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.346024
Most visitors to Tangier take a tour, daytripping in from Spain for a predictable series of experiences. But wandering through this delightfully disorienting town, at your own pace, is more fun. An...
ListenOslo, Norway: Frogner Park from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.345198
Oslo's vast Frogner Park is a perfect place to share a moment with Norwegian families at play. Strolling here, you feel a positive spirit — both rugged and pragmatic, celebrating life. The park sho...
ListenPamplona, Spain: Running of the Bulls from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.338218
For nine days each July, throngs of visitors come to run with the bulls, and a whole lot more, at Pamplona's Festival of San Fermin. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — incl...
ListenLjubljana, Slovenia: Happy Hodgepodge from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.327473
Being the midpoint bewteen the Slavic, Germanic and Italian worlds gives Ljubljana a special spice. This tiny town has only about a quarter-million people, but it's by far the country's largest cit...
ListenNerja, Spain: Holiday in the Costa del Sol from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.326301
Nearly every country from Europe's drizzly north tucks an expatriate community somewhere along the Costa del Sol. Rick's favorite stop is the resort town of Nerja, which has kept some of its charm ...
ListenNorway's West: A Sognefjord Safari from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.322366
Glaciers spent eons carving up western Norway as they worked their way to the sea. Slowly, they gouged u-shaped valleys that later filled with water, creating the defining feature of Norway's lands...
ListenStockholm, Sweden: Vasa Warship Museum from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.321499
Djurgården is Stockholm's lush island fun center and has several of the city's top museums, including the Vasa Museum. This is where the Vasa is housed, a 1628 war ship that sank to the bottom of t...
ListenCortona, Italy: Rustic and Romantic from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.315750
Cortona has a history that goes back 2500 years to Etruscan times. It grew to its present size between the 13th and 15th centuries, when it was a colorful and crowded city. And while an extremely p...
ListenMunich, Germany: Imperial Grandeur in the Residenz from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.309949
The Residenz was the palace of the Wittelsbach family, who ruled Bavaria for more than 700 years. The Wittelsbachs were always trying to keep up with the Habsburgs — their Austrian imperial rivals ...
ListenLondon, England: The National Gallery from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.304585
London's greatest collection of European paintings is in the National Gallery. From medieval to Renaissance to Impressionist, you can tour the sweeping story of European art without ever crossing t...
ListenTaormina, Sicily: Spectacular Resort from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.303427
Sicily's most spectacular resort, Taormina, hangs high above the sea with handy cable car access to the beach. Taormina was a favorite aristocratic escape in the 19th century. Today its main drag i...
ListenOslo, Norway: Maritime History in Bygdøy from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.296957
Oslo's Bygdøy neighborhood is a thought-provoking and exciting cluster of sights on a park-like peninsula just across the harbor from downtown. Within a short walk you can visit many museums explor...
ListenZugspitze, Alps: Germany's Highest Mountain from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.289982
While there are many higher mountains in the Alps, Zugspitze is unique — standing alone with a view of over 400 peaks in four countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and even Italy. The mountain ...
ListenKor?ula, Croatia: Laid-back Island Village from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.270868
Like other Croatian coastal towns, Kor?ula has two parts: The practical side where most people park, eat, and sleep — and the time-warp old town, where narrow lanes come with an atmospheric, easygo...
ListenRouen, France: A Mix of the Gothic and Contemporary from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.269870
During the middle ages Rouen — with 40,000 residents — was France's second largest city. Only Paris was bigger. In the 12th century, half of today's France was ruled by England. Caught in the middl...
ListenBergen, Norway: Salty Harbor Town from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.263866
With 250,000 people, Bergen has big-city parking problems and high prices, but visitors sticking to the old center find it charming. Enjoy Bergen's salty market, then stroll the easy-on-foot old qu...
ListenOrvieto Italy: Family-run Winery from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.258233
Italy is literally covered in vineyards. An hour north of Rome, near the hill town of Orvieto is the Tenuta le Vellete winery. A tour of this family-run property includes the main house with its at...
ListenBlaenau Ffestiniog, Wales: Fascinating Slate Mine Experience from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.252789
Slate mining played a blockbuster role in Welsh heritage and visitors are welcome at the Llechwedd mine, nestled in the rugged terrain of North Wales. After a train ride deep into the mountain, a ...
ListenAthens, Greece: Museum Traces the Sweep of Greek History from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.251857
The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is the single best place on earth to see ancient Greek artifacts. Strolling through the chronologically displayed collection — from 7,000 B.C. to A.D. 5...
ListenBayeux, France: Famous Medieval Tapestry from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.246048
Bayeux, a town 140 miles west of Paris in the Normandy region, is famous for the Bayeux Tapestry. This 230 foot long embroidery, housed in an excellent museum, tells the story of arguably the most ...
ListenBrussels, Belgium: Europe's Political Nerve Center from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.240444
Brussels is the capital of a united Europe — only Washington DC has more lobbyists. While tourists munch tasty treats in the historic town center, on the outskirts of this bilingual city are the bu...
ListenMotovun, Croatia: Dramatic Hill Town from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.208900
Perched high above vineyards and a truffle-filled forest, Motovun on the Istrian peninsula is the best-known and most-visited hill town in the region. And for good reason: Its Old Town is particula...
ListenLake Como, Italy: Bellagio and Varenna from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.207168
Lake Como — lined with palm trees and elegant pastel-colored villas, crowned by snowcapped mountains, and criss-crossed by a fleet of ferries and hydrofoils — is a great place to take a break from ...
ListenBerlin, Germany: Postdamer Platz and the Reichstag from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.199112
Potsdamer Platz, once the busiest square in Europe, was sliced in two by the Wall in 1961, leaving a deserted no-man's-land. Today, this immense commercial/residential/entertainment center, perched...
ListenSlovenia: Chatting with the Locals from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.189140
Rick visits the home of his friend and Slovenian tour guide, Tina Hiti, to learn about family life in Slovenia, and how things have changed since living under Yugoslavia's "Third Way." Slovenia wa...
ListenBath, England: Creamy Complexion from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.177927
Good looking British towns are not rare, but few combine beauty and hospitality as well as Bath. The entire city is built of creamy limestone called "Bath stone" and beams in its cover-girl complex...
ListenFrench Riviera: Cannes and Antibes from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.176468
The French Riviera stretches along the Mediterranean from St-Tropez to the Italian border. Two popular destinations are Cannes and Antibes. With exclusive hotels lining mostly private stretches of ...
ListenCopenhagen, Denmark: Tivoli Gardens from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.165330
Europe's most famous amusement park is Tivoli Gardens, an ideal place since 1843 to see Danes at play. One admission price lets you lose yourself in a Hans Christian Andersen wonderland of rides, r...
ListenSeason 7 Preview — Paris: Regal and Intimate from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.140005
The seventh season of Rick Steves' Europe — 14 new episodes — debuts this Fall on public television (check your local listings). In this first of two episodes on Paris, we'll cruise the Seine River...
ListenSeason 7 Preview — Venice: City of Dreams from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.130071
The seventh season of Rick Steves' Europe — 14 new episodes — debuts this Fall on public television (check your local listings). In this episode on Venice, we'll cruise the Grand Canal, luxuriate i...
ListenSeason 7 Preview — European Travel Skills Part III from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.121350
The seventh season of Rick Steves' Europe — 14 new episodes — debuts this Fall on public television (check your local listings).
ListenRome, Italy: Roman Forum from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.119908
In its heyday, Rome ruled a vast empire that stretched from Scotland to Egypt. The Roman Forum was the political, religious, and commercial heart of the city. Rome's most important monuments, templ...
ListenEuropean Travel Skills: Riding the Rails from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.112424
The European train system works great for locals and travelers alike, with well-signed stations, easily accessed schedules, and efficient connections between popular destinations. First-time train ...
ListenEuropean Travel Skills: Packing Light from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.105343
Packing light is essential for happy, hassle-free travel. Choose your luggage carefully — a carry-on sized convertible backpack/suitcase is the best bet for most travelers. As you pack, carefully s...
ListenEuropean Travel Skills: Eating and Drinking from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.097341
One of the great joys of travel is eating. Restaurants filled with locals are where you’ll find high quality and good value. Order your meal with a spirit of adventure, seeking out seasonal and reg...
ListenVenice, Italy: A Boat Tour of the Lagoon from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.087782
Surrounding Venice and cradled by the lagoon are a string of low-lying islands which make a nice escape from the hubbub — especially if you can linger after the tourists return to the city. Regular...
ListenNorth England: Hadrian's Wall from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.086354
Hadrian's Wall, built nearly 2000 years ago by the Romans during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, was a cleverly-designed military rampart manned by 20,000 troops. This 73-mile long undulating wall li...
ListenParis, France: The Story of Napoleon from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.079686
Built by Louis XIV in the 1600s as a veterans' hospital, the Hôtel des Invalides complex now houses Europe's greatest military museum. Under a grand golden dome lies the tomb of Napoleon, the "Empe...
ListenFlorence, Italy: Michelangelo's David from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.073024
One of Europe's great thrills is seeing Michelangelo's David in the flesh at the Accademia Gallery. Seventeen feet high, gleaming white, and exalted by a halo-like dome over his head, David rarely ...
ListenLondon, England: Make Time for Greenwich from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.064077
Greenwich is England's maritime capital. Visitors come here for all things salty, including the Cutty Sark clipper ship, the area's premier attraction. The town is synonymous with timekeeping and a...
ListenBarcelona, Spain: Picasso Museum from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.056803
Picasso spent his formative years (from the ages of 14 to 23) in Barcelona, and this museum, housed in a palace in the Old City is the best collection of his early works anywhere. By experiencing h...
ListenHill of Tara: The Soul of Ireland from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.050539
The peaceful, green Valley of the Boyne, just northwest of Dublin is the place to commune with the ancient soul of the Emerald Isle. This area boasts impressive historical and spiritual sights incl...
ListenRouen, France: The Four C's of Normandy Cuisine from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.049548
When traveling in France, seek out local specialties. Normandy, the region NW of Paris is known as the land of the four C's: Camembert, cider, cream and Calvados (apple brandy). Savor all four flav...
ListenLondon, England: Whitehall Street and Churchill War Rooms from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.041697
Whitehall, Britain's most important street connects Parliament with Trafalgar Square. A walk here is chock-full of reminders of a proud and hard-fought history as you pass monuments, Royal Horsegua...
ListenBarcelona, Spain: Center of Catalan Pride from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.035570
Cosmopolitan Barcelona is the vibrant capital of Catalunya, the proud and distinct region tucked in the NW corner of Spain. Franco's oppressive fascism is long gone and regional creative and indepe...
ListenEuropean Travel Skills: Cruise and Wine on the Rhine from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.029229
Savor the good life in Germany's Rhine River Valley while picking up some tips for getting the most out of your sightseeing. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including ep...
ListenDublin, Ireland: Dublin's Literary Life from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.028127
For many, the most endearing aspect of Irish culture is their love of language — both oral and written. Around the turn of the 20th century, Dublin provided inspiration for some of the world's gre...
ListenGuernica, Biscay: Symbolic Heart of Basque Country from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.021444
While it has deep cultural roots, most people know Guernica for a horrific event in the years leading up to WWII. Picasso's mural, considered by many the greatest antiwar work of art ever, tells th...
ListenVienna, Austria: The Seductive Art of Gustav Klimt from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.012674
The elegant Belvedere Palace was Austria's first great public art gallery and today houses the city's best collection of homegrown artists including Gustav Klimt, most famous for "The Kiss." In add...
ListenBarcelona, Spain: Enticing Tapas from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.006105
Barcelona boasts an enticing variety of tapas bars serving small portions of seafood, salads, meat-filled pastries, deep-fried tasties, and on and on. Some are colorful holes-in-walls, some are mo...
ListenDunluce Castle, Northern Ireland: Romantic Ruins from 2022-03-04T13:29:54.005124
Along the Antrim coast an hour north of Belfast, the evocative remnants of Dunluce Castle perch dramatically on the edge of a rocky headland. During the Middle Ages Dunluce resisted several sieges ...
ListenLondon, England: Treasures of the British Library from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.998844
The British Library houses over 12 million books though the highlight for travelers is the room full of well-displayed documents that changed the course of history. You'll find original ancient map...
ListenBruges, Belgium: Medieval Gem from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.992944
Bruges' Market Square is ringed by restaurant terraces and old gabled buildings with the 300' bell tower soaring above it all. Climb the tower's 366 steps for a commanding view, enjoy a free carill...
ListenStockholm, Sweden: Skansen Open-Air Museum from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.986544
This video takes you to Skansen, Europe's best open-air folk museum. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, ...
ListenParis, France: Bastille Day Parties from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.985545
This video shows how Paris celebrates Bastille Day — with parties all day and Eiffel Tower fireworks at night. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guideb...
ListenProvence, France: Pont du Gard and Nîmes from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.979450
In this video, we'll travel to France's Provence region to explore the Pont du Gard aqueduct and more Roman architecture in Nîmes. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small...
ListenVienna, Austria: Hofburg Imperial Treasury from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.973239
The Hofburg Palace's "Treasure Room" contains the best jewels on the Continent. This clip showcases the Imperial Crown, Imperial Cross, and a unicorn horn. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Western Turkey from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.949951
Rick's newest series of travel shows premieres this fall on public television stations across the US. First up — friendly Western Turkey. Watch the full episode at www.ricksteves.com. At www.rickst...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Central Turkey from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.947389
Rick's newest series of travel shows premieres this fall on public television stations across the US. Next up — captivating Central Turkey. Watch the full episode at www.ricksteves.com. At www.rick...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Palestine from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.940557
Rick's newest series of travel shows is now premiering on public television stations across the US. Next up — thought-provoking Palestine. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tip...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: The Netherlands from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.934232
Rick's newest series of travel shows is now premiering on public television stations across the US. Next up — the picturesque Netherlands. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tip...
ListenLoire, France: Château de Chenonceau from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.926719
The château of Chenonceau in France's Loire is one of the great sights in all of Europe. Earlier châteaux were built for defensive purposes, but Chenonceau was the first great pleasure palace, desi...
ListenAmsterdam, Netherlands: Coffeeshops and Red Light District from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.920961
Amsterdam has plenty of examples of their progressive approach to subjects many people consider unsavory: curbside urinals, prostitutes who are unionized, taxed, and regulated…and “coffeeshops” tha...
ListenBerlin, Germany: Trendy Prenzlauer Berg from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.913187
Young, in-the-know locals agree that Prenzlauer Berg is one of Berlin’s most colorful neighborhoods. There are no real sights -- just a lively, laid-back neighborhood ignoring its wonderful late-19...
ListenMonterosso al Mare, Italy: Cinque Terre Resort Town from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.905617
Monterosso al Mare is the Cinque Terre's most resorty town of the group, with cars, larger hotels, rentable umbrellas, and the best beach around. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving tra...
ListenRamallah, Palestine: Cultural Capital from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.904424
Ramallah hosts the Palestinian government and international agencies, and is filled with positive energy from the students at nearby Birzeit University. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-sav...
ListenAmsterdam, Netherlands: The Van Gogh Museum from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.898349
The Van Gogh Museum houses the 200 paintings owned by Vincent’s younger brother, Theo — laid out as the story of Vincent's life. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-g...
ListenCinque Terre, Italy: Hiking Corniglia to Manarola from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.885750
On this leg of the Cinque Terre hike, we descend from ridge-top Corniglia to coastal Manarola. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, ...
ListenAmboise, France: Elegant Dinner in the Loire from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.884633
Rick visits a restaurant in the Loire's Amboise to enjoy traditional French cuisine, including duck, escargot, and an abundant cheese course. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel ...
ListenAmsterdam, Netherlands: The Anne Frank House from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.877971
At the Anne Frank House, visitors learn how the Frank family hid from the Nazis for 25 months. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, ...
ListenVersailles, France: Ultimate Royal Palace from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.871585
Versailles, just outside Paris, is the palace other palaces were modeled after. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs,...
ListenBerlin, Germany: Reminders of a Troubled Past from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.870323
Berlin, Germany is dotted with memorials and reminders of its troubled 20th-century history, including the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Topography of Terror. At www.ricksteves.co...
ListenMarken, Netherlands: Fishing Village from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.863193
While the fishing village of Marken, Netherlands, remains both traditional and idyllic to this day, it's a place where the past and the present mingle comfortably. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll fin...
ListenKu?adas?, Turkey: Cruises and Cuisine from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.856356
The port of Ku?adas? is a good, low-stress place to start your adventure in Turkey. It's a fine example of the latest change in the Turkish cultural landscape - modern prosperity. At www.ricksteves...
ListenVienna, Austria: Opera from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.848806
Even if you don't have time or money for a musical performance while in Austria, a visit to the Vienna State Opera house is a must. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, smal...
ListenMaincy, France: Vaux-le-Vicomte from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.847107
Located outside Paris, France, the ravishing Vaux-le-Vicomte gets Rick's vote for the most for the most beautiful château in all of France. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel ti...
ListenKaymakl?, Turkey: Underground City from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.838311
The underground world of Kaymakl?, Turkey, provided an almost ready-made refuge for Turks during invasions and persecutions through the centuries. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving tr...
ListenAmsterdam, Netherlands: Rijksmuseum from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.832031
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is one of the artistic highlights of Europe. It was built to showcase the art of the Dutch Golden Age. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving tra...
ListenOstia Antica, Italy: Peek Into Ancient Rome from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.825099
The ruins at Ostia Antica in Italy rival those of Pompeii, and are just a half-hour train ride from downtown Rome. There's lots to learn about ancient Roman lifestyles at this well-preserved site. ...
ListenLondon, England: Using the Tube from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.824056
London’s subway — fondly known as “the Tube”—is one of this planet’s great people?movers, and easy to master. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebo...
ListenBerlin, Germany: East Berlin's Communist Propaganda from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.818008
In Berlin, Germany, socialist realism — the art of the communist era — actually went beyond censorship. Art was legitimate only if it actively promoted the state. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find...
ListenAmsterdam, Netherlands: Cruising the Jordaan District's Canals from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.811361
Amsterdam's characteristic and canal-filled Jordaan district offers a quiet slice of Dutch urban life. Built in the 1600s for warehouses and to house workers, it’s now home to artists and inviting ...
ListenVernazza, Italy: Weathering the Storm from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.804980
A freak rainstorm and flash floods hit Italy's Cinque Terre in October 2011, but the townsfolk have rebuilt and Vernazza has recovered. Traditions survive in Vernazza, even today. At www.ricksteves...
ListenAmboise, France: Château Fine Dining from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.797626
Rick Steves and his co-author Steve Smith dine like kings at Château de Pray near Amboise, France. The pair discusses why a fine French meal is a lifetime memory. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find...
ListenCappadocia, Turkey: Turkish Carpets from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.791672
The tradition of carpet weaving is integral to Turkish culture. While shopping in the big carpet stores throughout Turkey, remember that bargaining is expected and prices often build in a 20% commi...
ListenPadova, Italy: University Town from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.782741
Nicknamed “the brain of the Veneto,” the Università degli Studi di Padova was founded in 1222, one of the first in Europe. At the university is Europe's oldest surviving anatomy theater, where stud...
ListenMasada, Israel: Ancient Fortress from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.769701
The ancient fortress in Masada, Israel served as a refuge of last resort back when the Jews were the rebellious subjects of Roman occupation. Masada’s rebels methodically took their own lives, and ...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Bulgaria from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.751108
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! Bulgaria, so mysterious to most Americans, has a vivid identity as a crossroads of the Balkans. We’ll trace the ...
ListenBulgaria: Rila Monastery from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.749858
Founded in the 10th century, Rila Monastery was a stronghold for Bulgarian faith, language, and culture during nearly 500 years of Ottoman rule. And today, it remains the country's revered national...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: West England from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.733189
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! The quintessence of charming England is the “West Country”: quaint Cotswold villages with their fine churches, m...
ListenCotswolds, England: Village Charm from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.731992
As with many fairy-tale regions in Europe, the present-day beauty of England's Cotswolds was the result of an economic disaster — in this case, the collapse of the wool industry. The fine Cotswold ...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Southeast England from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.730150
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! Arcing along the southeast coast of England, we’ll travel from Canterbury (with its famous cathedral) to Dover (...
ListenDresden, Germany: Reconstructed and Rewarding from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.717891
In February of 1945, after the city was bombed in the last months of World War II, Dresden's beloved Frauenkirche ("Church of Our Lady") collapsed. Then, Dresdeners decided to rebuild it completely...
ListenMontepulciano, Italy: Tuscan Vino and Views from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.709249
The Tuscan hill town of Montepulciano, Italy, is a wine-producing capital with an independent spirit. In Montepulciano, you can enjoy medieval architecture, taste wine from the barrel, and dine on ...
ListenSiena, Italy: Piazza del Campo from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.708078
Siena, Italy's great central piazza is Il Campo. The historic junction of Siena's various neighborhoods, or "contrade," it fans out from City Hall as if to create an amphitheater. At http://www.ric...
ListenDartmoor, England: Wild Horses and Stone Circles from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.700108
One of England's most popular national parks, Dartmoor is one of the few truly wild places left in this densely populated country. A visit to Dartmoor brings sights of the iconic ponies running wil...
ListenHamburg, Germany: Trendy Neighborhoods from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.698067
While the remains of WWII-era bunkers serve as wartime reminders in Hamburg, Germany, the remnants are incorporated into today’s contemporary scene. Modern Hamburg is full of energetic and trendy n...
ListenRomania: Faces of the People from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.688773
The cultural heritage of Romania is many-faceted, and appreciating the diversity of the 20 million people who make up this country enriches your experience. The faces — as varied and beautiful as t...
ListenTuscany, Italy: Chianti Wine and Crete Senesi Regions from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.679468
Tuscany's Chianti wine region, with its rugged hills and farmland, charms visitors with a slower, more rustic lifestyle. South of Chianti is a region called the Crete Senesi, a quintessential Tusca...
ListenLeipzig, Germany: 20th-Century History from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.667545
In Leipzig, several sights offer travelers a fascinating look at Germany's 20th-century history. Visit the Contemporary History Forum and Stasi Museum in the "Runde Ecke" to learn the 44-year story...
ListenPaestum, Italy: Ancient Greek Temples from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.654542
Paestum, just south of Italy's Amalfi Coast, was founded by Greeks in the sixth century B.C. Visitors to Paestum can see the remains of three impressive temples: the Temple of Ceres, the Temple of ...
ListenDresden, Germany: Enlivened Neustadt from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.647792
The rebirth of Dresden, Germany, is evident everywhere. The lively district called Neustadt, or the "New Town," has emerged as the city's trendy people zone. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll fi...
ListenRotterdam, Netherlands: Europe's Largest Port from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.646588
Rotterdam's immense port is a reminder of the Dutch knack for international trade. Located where the Rhine River meets the ocean, the port handles 35,000 ocean-going vessels each year. At http://ww...
ListenVernazza, Italy: Hillside Vineyards from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.641140
Italy's Cinque Terre takes great pride in its white wine. Traditional farming techniques are complemented with modern know-how, as the delicate vines are prepped in anticipation of a hot growing se...
ListenRome, Italy: Victor Emmanuel Monument from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.633744
In 1870 Rome became the capital of a newly united modern state of Italy. Shortly after that, the thunderous Victor Emmanuel Monument was built to honor Italy's first king. At http://www.ricksteves....
ListenSevilla, Spain: Home of Flamenco from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.627330
Spaniards consider the region of Andalucía to be the home of flamenco. While impromptu flamenco still erupts spontaneously in Old World bars, most travelers attend a show in Sevilla or other touris...
ListenTransylvania, Romania: Sighi?oara from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.626064
Sighi?oara, perhaps the most popular tourist town in all of Romania, is a delightful German town settled by German craftsmen in the 12th century. Within the town's protective walls, visitors explor...
ListenVenice, Italy: Accademia Gallery from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.619920
To get a sense of how Venice was in earlier times, head to the Accademia Gallery, the best museum for Venetian Renaissance painting. The Venetian love of the good life shows itself in Venetian pain...
ListenVerona, Italy: House of Juliet and Castelvecchio from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.610176
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet made Verona, Italy, a popular destination, but a visit to the “House of Juliet” has nothing to do with the fictional star-crossed lovers; all this commotion was start...
ListenTuscany, Italy: Farm to Table from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.596748
In rural Tuscany, you feel an enthusiasm for tradition. The Zanda family raises a rare breed of pigs brought back from the edge of extinction by people who care about traditional agriculture. At ht...
ListenPorthcurno, England: Cornwall's Coastal Gem from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.585384
With its graceful arc and golden sand, the beach at Porthcurno seems to have been imported from some far-away tropical paradise. For some history and culture, travelers can visit the Porthcurno Tel...
ListenPortsmouth, England: Historic Dockyard from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.577972
Back when Britain ruled the waves, it did so with its mighty navy, based in Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard. This sprawling museum highlights England's storied maritime heritage — both very old and ...
ListenDingle, Ireland: Irish Culture from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.576837
Dingle is so traditionally Irish because it's a Gaeltacht, a region where the Irish culture survives, subsidized by the government. While English is always there, the signs, menus, and songs often ...
ListenKilronan, Ireland: Gaelic Traditions from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.570321
The Aran Islands are a Gaeltacht — an area of Ireland that speaks Gaelic and maintains Ireland's traditional culture. Kilronan (the only real town on the Aran Islands) has an abundance of folk trad...
ListenCornwall, England: Penwith Peninsula from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.563425
The top charms of Cornwall are gathered in its extreme western tip: the Penwith Peninsula. Those who get out of the car and hike are richly rewarded. Walking all or even part of the South West Coas...
ListenSegovia, Spain: Architectural Beauty from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.556080
Segovia — a historic town of 55,000 with a rich history and a famous Roman aqueduct — is well worth a visit. Visitors interested in history and architecture can marvel at its ancient aqueduct, Roma...
ListenWittenberg and Wartburg, Germany: Luther Sights from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.554047
Wittenberg's top sight, the Lutherhaus, is where Martin Luther lived. Today, it's an excellent museum displaying original artifacts. Nearby Wartburg Castle is another popular stop on the Luther tra...
ListenGranada, Spain: Reconquista Legacies from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.546551
Granada, Spain's cathedral facade, built shortly after the Reconquista, declares triumph for the victorious Christian forces. The adjacent Royal Chapel provided a fitting resting place for Queen Is...
ListenCornwall, England: Tin Mines from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.540690
The evocative coast of Cornwall, England, is dotted with 19th-century Industrial Age ruins. The iconic smokestacks today are the dramatic remnants of Cornwall's now-dead tin-mining industry, which ...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Travel Skills: Cruising from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.526868
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! Setting sail on the Mediterranean, we'll explore the ins and outs and pros and cons of cruising. We'll learn how...
ListenBatalha, Portugal: Revered Monastery from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.525892
The historic Monastery of Santa Maria in Batalha, Portugal, was built to celebrate a pivotal battle in 1385, when Portugal beat the mightier Spaniards. This monastery and its church, the symbol of ...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: The Best of Sicily from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.514179
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! This tour of Sicilian highlights starts in Palermo, where we'll sing with the merchants in the markets, join loc...
ListenMunich, Germany: Oktoberfest from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.513237
Of Europe's many great festivals, one of the wildest is Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Oktoberfest lasts for two weeks, from late September into the first few days of October. Filling a huge fairg...
ListenSkye, Scotland: Island Sights from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.496197
Offering some of Scotland’s best scenery, the Isle of Skye is understandably popular. Narrow, twisty roads wind around Skye in the shadows of craggy, bald mountains, and the coastline is ruffled wi...
ListenCruising Travel Skills: Santorini, Greece from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.485628
Santorini is an island you could explore for days, but with even a short visit, you sail away so glad you came. Whether you took the cruise excursion, or hopped a donkey, or just had lunch in the p...
ListenScottish Highlands: Inveraray Castle from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.478317
Scotland's Inveraray Castle is a stately, turreted royal palace set in a delightful garden. The castle's public half is a museum filled with precious Campbell clan artifacts, and an impressive armo...
ListenParis, France: Montmarte from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.470757
Montmartre — a Parisian hill crowned by the dramatic neo-Byzantine Sacré-Cœur church — was famous for the ambience captured by the Impressionists.
ListenPalermo, Sicily: Monreale Cathedral from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.463782
In the 11th century, when the Muslim Arabs were tossed out by the Christian Normans, the Normans made Sicilian civilization grander yet — building monumental Norman churches. More information about...
ListenParis, France: The Panthéon and the Paris Catacombs from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.462294
Paris dramatically changed during the Enlightenment and the French Revolution: The Panthéon was built, cemeteries were moved underground to the catacombs, and churches were turned into “temples of ...
ListenNice, France: The Belle Époque from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.452428
Nice offers grand examples of the belle époque — literally, the "beautiful age." Travelers can step into an age of refinement at the Hotel Negresco, or visit Czar Nicholas II's gift to the city: th...
ListenFrench Riviera: Monaco from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.445533
Monaco is one of the world's smallest and most luxurious countries. Along with the Monte Carlo casino, high-end stores, and Grand Prix racetrack, travelers to this principality can enjoy its mediev...
ListenCoimbra, Portugal: University Traditions from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.435850
Coimbra is home to Portugal's oldest and most prestigious university. When school's in session, Coimbra bustles with a youthful energy. As a traveler, it can be fun to drop into this venerable acad...
ListenDouro Valley, Portugal: Tasting Port Wine from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.422843
Portugal's Douro Valley is the birthplace of port wine, and its steep and twisting valleys have been laboriously terraced over the centuries. Stop by a family owned winery for a peek at local life ...
ListenAgrigento, Sicily: Valley of the Temples from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.415453
At the Valley of the Temples, time-travel back to when Sicily was a Greek colony. While little survives of ancient Agrigento, you can wander through the remains of a few grand temples, including th...
ListenTuscany, Italy: Staying at an Agriturismo from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.404543
An agriturismo — a working farm that offers BnB-type accommodations — is an ideal home base for exploring the Tuscan countryside. At these cozy lodgings, you'll find rustic furnishings, warm hospit...
ListenSkye, Scotland: Historic Peat Farming from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.401441
On the Isle of Skye, peat was a vital resource for hundreds of years. People would use it to heat their homes, as a fuel source for cooking, and to add a smoky flavor to whisky. More info about tra...
ListenLisbon, Portugal: Distinctive Architecture from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.397979
In 1755, a devastating earthquake reduced Lisbon to rubble. The city's downtown was eventually rebuilt in a symmetrical grid plan, with broad boulevards and inviting squares — a style known as "Pom...
ListenOrkney, Scotland: Prehistoric Sites from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.393846
The fascinating and remote Orkney Islands, off the north coast of Scotland, offer some of the best prehistoric sites in northern Europe, including 5,000-year-old homes and burial mounds. More info ...
ListenPalermo, Sicily: Lively Neighborhoods from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.376295
Sicily's sprawling, gritty capital of Palermo boasts colorful markets and bustling shopping streets that signal a fun-loving city in regeneration. Take an evening stroll through the landmark Quattr...
ListenSintra, Portugal: Royal Getaway from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.370039
For centuries, Portugal's royalty considered Sintra the perfect place to escape from Lisbon. Today, tourists can experience Sintra's mix of natural and man-made beauty, too, from fantasy castles to...
ListenStirling, Scotland: Stirling Castle from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.366598
Rising above a plain where the Lowlands meet the Highlands, Stirling Castle was the seat of the kings and queens of Scotland for hundreds of years. It's no surprise that this strategic castle has h...
ListenWhy We Travel: For Fun and Excitement from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.324259
Part 1 of 5, this clip celebrates how we travel to have experiences…to have fun. Going to new places invigorates us. It’s exciting.
ListenZermatt, Switzerland: Finding Charm in a Tourist-Filled Town from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.319851
Zermatt is a small town of 6,000 that hosts nearly two million visitors each year. It has more hotel beds than residents, and nearly everyone earns a living from tourists, who flock here for a peek...
ListenVienna, Austria: The Ringstrasse from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.316471
Vienna's historic center is encircled by a road called the Ringstrasse. In the 1860s, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria had Vienna's medieval walls torn down and replaced with this grand boulevard....
ListenMykonos, Greece: World-Famous Beaches from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.302186
The Greek island of Mykonos is known around the world for its picturesque beaches. There are a range of beaches you can visit, from trendy Paradise Beach — with its bars, rentable lounge chairs, an...
ListenSintra, Portugal: The Pena Palace from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.287870
The colorful Pena Palace, located in the town of Sintra, is the Versailles of Portugal. In the mid-19th century, the flamboyant Prince Ferdinand built this fantasy, mixing Gothic towers, Renaissanc...
ListenLisbon, Portugal: Bairro Alto's Fado Bars from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.274189
Fado is the folk music of Lisbon's rustic neighborhoods. Since the mid-1800s, it's been the Portuguese blues — mournfully beautiful and haunting ballads about lost sailors, broken hearts, and bitte...
ListenGlasgow, Scotland: Buchanan Street from 2022-03-04T13:29:53.269877
Glasgow's busy Buchanan Street is the middle of a Z-shaped pedestrian boulevard nicknamed the "Golden Zed." With the top shops in town and a variety of street musicians, Buchanan Street has a livel...
ListenSantorini, Greece: Idyllic Oia from 2022-02-02T08:00
The village of Oia is the quintessence of Greek Island charm: an idyllic ensemble of whitewashed houses and blue domes, all with striking viewpoints. For European travel information, visit https://...
ListenDolomites, Italy: Brenner Pass and Reifenstein Castle from 2022-01-19T08:00
The Brenner Pass zips drivers across the Alps in about 30 minutes to Reifenstein Castle, which offers an intimate look at medieval castle life. For European travel information, visit https://www.ri...
ListenLauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland: Alpine Beauty from 2021-12-22T08:00
Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen Valley is a textbook example of a glacier-shaped valley. Towering high above are the icy Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger peaks. At the base of the peaks, Kleine Scheidegg has...
ListenChamonix, France: Mer de Glace Glacier from 2021-11-24T08:00
One of the world’s oldest mountain resorts, Chamonix has long made it easy for romantics to enjoy its alpine wonders—starting with a cogwheel train to the Mer de Glace glacier. Nowadays, visitors c...
ListenCairo, Egypt: Chaotic Capital from 2021-11-10T08:00
Teeming Cairo, straddling the Nile, is the capital of Egypt and one of the leading cities of the Muslim world. With 20 million people, greater Cairo pulses with energy. For European travel informat...
ListenMykonos, Greece: Perfect Island Town from 2021-10-27T08:00
Mykonos is the epitome of a Greek island town — a seafront village crouched behind a sandy harbor, thickly layered with blinding white stucco, bright blue trim, and colorful bougainvillea. For more...
ListenWhy We Travel: To Connect with Our World from 2021-10-13T08:00
Part 5 of 5, this clip celebrates how, by traveling thoughtfully, we can connect with different cultures and end up building bridges rather than walls. For more European travel information, visit r...
ListenHall in Tirol, Austria: A Tirolean Evening from 2021-09-29T08:00
When traveling, it's easier than you think to find authentic cultural experiences. Join Rick at a family-run hotel in the Austrian town of Hall in Tirol for an evening of traditional Tirolean cultu...
ListenGlasgow, Scotland: Popping in on a Traditional Session from 2021-09-15T08:00
In Glasgow's trendy West End, step into a pub for a traditional session — not a formal concert, but a casual gathering of musical friends. For the price of a beer, you'll get an evening of live mus...
ListenBerner Oberland, Switzerland: The Jungfraujoch Station from 2021-08-18T08:00
In Switzerland's Berner Oberland region, a train takes visitors through mountain tunnels up to the highest railway station in Europe, the Jungfraujoch. At more than 11,000 feet, spectacular views o...
ListenWhy We Travel: Like Pilgrims, to Learn and Grow from 2021-08-04T08:00
Part 4 of 5, this clip celebrates how on the road, like pilgrims, we can seek meaning, and how leaving home, we can learn more about ourselves. For more European travel information, visit ricksteve...
ListenDolomites, Italy: Tirolean Culture and Alpine Adventures from 2021-07-21T08:00
The Dolomites, Italy's dramatic rocky rooftop, offer some of the best mountain thrills in Europe. Here, the region's Austrian history survives in a warm, blue-aproned, felt-hat-with-feathers way. T...
ListenEgypt: Cruising the Nile from 2021-07-07T08:00
Taking a multi-day Nile cruise gives you a firsthand look at some of the famous river's most scenic stretches, with timeless slices of natural beauty and seemingly ancient scenes interrupted only b...
ListenSpeyside, Scotland: The Heart of Whisky Country from 2021-06-23T08:00
Of the hundred or so whisky distilleries in Scotland, about half lie near the valley of the River Spey — making the area practically a pilgrimage for Scotch whisky aficionados. Step inside a distil...
ListenWhy We Travel: To Appreciate Art and Culture from 2021-05-26T08:00
Part 3 of 5, this clip celebrates how travel can be our teacher and the road our school as we better appreciate art and culture.
ListenChamonix, France: Thin-Air Thrills at the Aiguille du Midi from 2021-05-12T08:00
Looming nearly two miles above the town of Chamonix is the Aiguille du Midi, part of the Mont Blanc massif in the French Alps. At 12,600 feet, it's also the highest mountain peak served by cable ca...
ListenBerner Oberland, Switzerland: Exploring the Swiss Alps on Foot from 2021-04-28T08:00
In the famous Berner Oberland, gondola lifts and funiculars take visitors high into the Alps, making for easy and jaw-droppingly beautiful hikes back down. Along the way, cliff-clinging villages li...
ListenHall in Tirol, Austria: The Town That Salt Built from 2021-04-14T08:00
If you want the natural surroundings of Innsbruck without the crowds, head to Hall in Tirol. Built as a salt-mining town when Innsbruck was just a humble bridge, Hall became an important trading ci...
ListenGiza, Egypt: The Pyramids and Great Sphinx from 2021-03-31T08:00
The Pyramids of Giza are one of the most recognizable scenes in all of tourism. The grandest is known as the Great Pyramid; one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it was designed to house t...
ListenWhy We Travel: To Appreciate History from 2021-03-17T08:00
(Part 2 of 5) In this clip from Rick's "Why We Travel" TV special, we learn how, through travel, we can deepen our understanding of history, gain context and perspective…and become wiser.
ListenLyon, France: The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière from 2021-02-17T08:00
Lyon's Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who has been an important religious figure to the city for centuries. Amble down the main aisle to marvel at dazzling Neo...
ListenGnadenwald, Austria: The Walderalm Farm from 2021-01-20T08:00
The Walderalm farm, perched high above the Austrian city of Innsbruck, offers travelers a peek at life on a traditional alpine farm. And for the many visitors enjoying the area's breathtaking hikin...
ListenEgypt: The Abu Simbel Temple Complex from 2020-12-23T08:00
Built by Ramses II in about 1250 BC, the temple of Abu Simbel is one of Egypt's must-sees. About 50 years ago, it was at risk of being submerged by the creation of Lake Nasser. Thanks to a heroic e...
ListenCairo, Egypt: The Egyptian Museum from 2020-12-09T08:00
A visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo helps bring the country's many ancient sights to life. The museum houses the best collection of ancient Egyptian art anywhere, including 3,000-year-old statu...
ListenLyon, France: City of Capitals from 2020-11-25T08:00
Straddling the border between Provence and Burgundy, Lyon has been one of France's leading cities since Roman times. After Paris, it's arguably the most historic and culturally important city in th...
ListenZermatt, Switzerland: The Matterhorn and the Swiss Alps from 2020-11-11T08:00
Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn, was essentially built for enjoying the Alps. It's hugely popular with skiers in the winter and hikers in the summer. And with its many lifts, Zermatt is a sp...
ListenBavarian Alps, Germany: The Zugspitze from 2020-10-28T08:00
At nearly 10,000 feet, the Zugspitze is Germany’s highest mountain. A cable car zips visitors up to the summit, where breathtaking views of peaks in Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland await. ...
ListenLuxor, Egypt: The Karnak Temple Complex from 2020-10-14T08:00
Karnak was the most important place of worship in ancient Egypt. This sprawling temple complex was built over many centuries during the New Kingdom period, when most of the great pharaohs ruled. Ra...
ListenAvebury, England: Avebury Stone Circle and Silbury Hill from 2020-09-30T08:00
In the British countryside, near the village of Avebury, stand two of England's most mysterious prehistoric sites: the Avebury Stone Circle, 16 times as big as Stonehenge, and Silbury Hill, a yet-t...
ListenTallinn, Estonia: Kumu Art Museum from 2020-09-16T08:00
Tallinn's Kumu Art Museum displays contemporary Estonian art that traces the country's chaotic 20th century, from idyllic German-influenced pastorals and Communist propaganda to the 1960s countercu...
ListenRome, Italy: Rick Steves' Travel Tips from 2020-08-19T08:00
Rome is magnificent and overwhelming at the same time. Make your trip to the Eternal City fun and hassle-free with Rick's travel tips, from choosing where to stay to using public transportation. Mo...
ListenGlasgow, Scotland: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum from 2020-07-22T08:00
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery is Glasgow's best museum. Like a Scottish Smithsonian, it features everything from natural history exhibits to fine art, including pieces by the 19th-century Scottish Ro...
ListenBelfast, Northern Ireland: Orangemen Parades from 2020-07-12T08:00
In Northern Ireland, Orangemen parades fill village and neighborhood streets with Protestants from Easter through September. The long-established Orange Order — with their signature orange team col...
ListenRome, Italy: Church-sponsored Art from 2020-06-24T08:00
In Rome, pop into churches to see art in situ — not hanging on museum walls, but exactly where it was meant to be enjoyed — including magnificent Michelangelo sculptures, dazzling Byzantine mosaics...
ListenStonehenge: England's Famous Stone Circle from 2020-06-20T08:00
Made from huge stones that were quarried, carved, and moved from as far away as Wales, Stonehenge has amazed visitors for thousands of years. And throughout that time, it's continued to work as a f...
ListenOban, Scotland: Gateway to the Scottish Isles from 2020-06-10T08:00
With one of Scotland's best distillery tours and plenty of character, Oban is a basket of Scottish traditions. And it's ideally situated for day trips to three of the most worthwhile Inner Hebrides...
ListenLisbon, Portugal: Portuguese Salted Cod from 2020-05-27T08:00
Plenty of character is packed into Lisbon — and much of it is edible. One treat you're sure to find in any Lisbon restaurant, market hall, or café is bacalhau (salted cod), a Portuguese favorite. M...
ListenGlasgow, Scotland: Glasgow's Restoration from 2020-05-13T08:00
Glasgow is Scotland's most underrated destination. With an energetic cultural scene and unique flair for art and design, this rejuvenated city is bursting with history, pride, and a love of life. M...
ListenPalermo, Sicily: Complicated History from 2020-04-29T08:00
Sicily's many rulers — from the Greeks to the Arabs to the Spanish — have each left their mark on the island's capital, Palermo. You can still see that impact today through the city's distinctive a...
ListenVolterra, Italy: Alabaster and Wine from 2020-04-15T08:00
Alabaster and wine are traditional specialties in the Tuscan hill town of Volterra. Drop by a local workshop or wine bar to see Volterra's masters at work (and enjoy the fruits of their labor). Mor...
ListenParis, France: Belle Epoque Sights from 2020-03-18T08:00
Experience the decadence of Paris' belle époque ("beautiful age") at sights like the Opéra Garnier and the Jacquemart-André Museum. More info about travel to France: https://www.ricksteves.com/euro...
ListenKraków, Poland: Kazimierz District from 2020-02-19T08:00
For centuries, Kraków's Kazimierz neighborhood was the heart of the city's Jewish community. Today, the spirit of the rich Jewish tradition lives on in this revitalized and vibrant part of town. Mo...
ListenIronbridge Gorge, England: Blists Hill Victorian Town from 2020-01-22T08:00
Step back into the 1890s at Blists Hill Victorian Town, an open-air museum in Ironbridge Gorge that re-creates the area as it was during its Industrial Revolution heyday. More info about travel to ...
ListenSkye, Scotland: Trotternish Peninsula from 2019-12-11T08:00
Escape the crowds and experience some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery on the Isle of Skye's Trotternish Peninsula. With jaw-dropping cliffs, unique geologic formations, and windswept views, it'...
ListenMadrid, Spain: Flamenco from 2019-11-27T08:00
The emotional intensity of Spanish culture is experienced most rivetingly in the music and dance of its people: flamenco. While Sevilla is the home of flamenco, Madrid draws Spain's top artists, ma...
ListenCoimbra, Portugal: Fado Music from 2019-11-13T08:00
Coimbra is a great place to catch a fado performance. Fado is a uniquely Portuguese style of music — soulful and nostalgic, with singers telling tales of unanswered love. And while most fado is sun...
ListenInner Hebrides, Scotland: Mull, Iona, and Staffa from 2019-10-30T08:00
For a taste of Scotland's west coast, take a day trip from Oban to the islands of Mull, Iona, and Staffa. Here in the Inner Hebrides, you can immerse yourself in pristine scenery, 1,500 years of Ch...
ListenPorto, Portugal: Romantic Capital from 2019-10-16T08:00
Like many second cities throughout Europe, Porto is a hard-scrabble town that recently emerged from a post-industrial funk to become trendy, revitalized with a fresh and creative energy while evoki...
ListenBern, Switzerland: Storied Cathedral from 2019-09-18T08:00
Bern's 15th-century cathedral — which boasts Switzerland's highest church tower — underwent major changes during the Reformation, when Protestant iconoclasts removed the then-Catholic church's reli...
ListenParis, France: Carnavalet Museum and Remnants of Royalty from 2019-09-11T08:00
Experience Paris's past at the Carnavalet Museum, where you can admire the former monarchy's opulence and relive its downfall during the French Revolution. More info about travel to Paris: https://...
ListenIronbridge, England: Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution from 2019-08-28T08:00
Fire up memories of the Industrial Revolution in its birthplace, the Severn River Valley. And no trip to England's heartland would be complete without a pint at the local pub — where it helps to kn...
ListenWarsaw, Poland: Vodka and Chopin from 2019-08-21T08:00
In Warsaw, experience Polish culture by trying some traditional vodka and taking a stroll through the city's idyllic 18th-century park, which features a monument to one of Poland's favorite sons, c...
ListenOxford, England: Prestigious University from 2019-08-14T08:00
Oxford is home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Today, there's plenty to see and do on a visit to Oxford University, from punting on the River Cherwell to marveling at histor...
ListenSicily: Majestic Mount Etna from 2019-07-31T08:00
Mount Etna, on the island of Sicily, is Europe's most active volcano. Today, the slopes of Etna are renowned for their fertile soil — and the finest vineyards in Sicily. More info about travel to S...
ListenKraków, Poland: Rich History, Vibrant Culture from 2019-07-24T08:00
Kraków is the Boston of Poland, buzzing with history, college students, and tourists. Even though Warsaw became Poland's political capital centuries ago, Kraków remains the country's cultural and i...
ListenTrebinje, Bosnia: Yugloslavian Diversity from 2019-07-17T08:00
Bosnia was the former Yugoslavia's cultural crossroads, home to its three major ethnic groups: Croats, Serbs, and Bosniaks. Each group adopted a different religion, brought to Yugoslavia by various...
ListenBern, Switzerland: Classy Capital from 2019-07-10T08:00
Bern's pointy towers, colorful fountains, and arcaded streets make it one of Europe's finest surviving medieval towns. And as the seat of the Swiss government, Bern is a fascinating study in modern...
ListenSítio, Portugal: Surfing and Seafood from 2019-06-26T08:00
The Sítio district of Nazaré overlooks a stretch of the Atlantic that's famous among surfers for some of the biggest waves in the world. After hitting the beach, you can enjoy fresh seafood washed ...
ListenTaormina, Sicily: Cannoli with a View from 2019-06-19T08:00
In addition to being Sicily's most spectacular beach resort, Taormina is home to tasty, traditional cannoli and an impressive 2,500-year-old Greek theater. More info about travel to Sicily: https:/...
ListenLisbon, Portugal: Food Tour from 2019-06-12T08:00
Lisbon is a great foodie destination. Create your own food crawl by hopping on one of the city's famous funiculars to explore everything from modern market halls to traditional bakeries to hole-in-...
ListenHighlands, Scotland: Crannogs and Cairns from 2019-05-29T08:00
The Highlands’ rich history stretches back 4,000 years. In prehistoric times, Highlanders lived in homes built out over lochs, called crannogs, and buried their dead amid mystical stone configurati...
ListenWarwick, England: Medieval Castle from 2019-05-22T08:00
Warwick Castle is England’s most spectacular castle, with a lush, grassy moat and fairy-tale fortifications. This medieval masterpiece, which has been turned into a virtual theme park, is historic ...
ListenCoimbra, Portugal: Venerable University from 2019-05-15T08:00
Coimbra is the Oxford of Portugal — home to the country's oldest and most venerable university. When school is in session, the city bustles with exuberant students. And with a charming old town ref...
ListenRavenna, Italy: Church of San Vitale from 2019-04-24T08:00
Ravenna is on the tourist map for one reason: Its 1,500-year-old churches, decorated with best-in-the-West Byzantine mosaics. For more information about travel to Ravenna, visit https://www.rickste...
ListenParis, France: Saint-Sulpice Church from 2019-04-17T08:00
One month ago, another treasured Paris church — Saint-Sulpice — was touched by flames. Fortunately, the brief fire caused only minimal damage, and Saint-Sulpice's impressive pipe organ remains intact.
ListenLondon, England: Jewels of Somerset House from 2019-04-10T08:00
Somerset House, a grand 18th-century civic palace, now houses several fine galleries and museums.
ListenNice, France: Matisse and Chagall Museums from 2019-03-27T08:00
Because so many great 20th-century artists chose to live and work here, the Riviera is studded with world-class modern art museums. Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, and many others raved...
ListenGlasgow, Scotland: Glaswegian Graffiti from 2019-03-20T08:00
Glasgow's rough urban-scape — with its many blank walls — provides an inviting canvas for city-approved street artists. This clip comes from "Glasgow and Scottish Passions," a brand new episode of ...
ListenSkye, Scotland: Pretty Portree from 2019-03-13T08:00
Skye's best home base is the town of Portree, nestled deep in its protective harbor. Portree, with its narrow streets and humble shops, restaurants, and hotels, is the island's largest town and tou...
ListenMozia, Sicily: Historic Lagoon from 2019-02-27T08:00
Mozia is a tiny, historic island in Sicily's salt-making region. For thousands of years, locals have labored in its salt pools as part of this essential industry. It was a Carthaginian stronghold c...
ListenPiazza Armerina, Sicily: Villa Romana del Casale from 2019-02-20T08:00
Sicily’s Villa Romana del Casale was the mansion of a wealthy Roman senator who traded in exotic animals. Its mosaics, made of dozens of different kinds of multicolored marble and glass chips, give...
ListenRhodes, Greece: Old Town from 2019-02-13T08:00
Rhodes is built upon layers of civilizations — Italian, Greek, and Turkish, with a dash of medieval Crusader lore from all over Europe tossed in. Today, luxury yachts crowd the harbor. This clip co...
ListenNazaré, Portugal: Beaches and Barnacles from 2019-01-30T08:00
While touristy in the summer, Nazaré offers a good look at how bits of traditional Portugal survive. For example, the traditional way of preserving fish has carried on, unchanged for generations. T...
ListenLisbon, Portugal: Old World Neighborhoods from 2019-01-23T08:00
The Alfama and Bairro Alto neighborhoods in Lisbon are two of the city's most characteristic and charming districts. While new affluence and tourism is bringing inevitable change, bits of the Old W...
ListenWoodstock, England: Blenheim Palace from 2019-01-16T08:00
Blenheim Palace is Rick's pick for the number-one stately home in Britain. As a sightseeing experience and for simple visual grandeur, Blenheim is among Europe's finest. This clip comes from "The H...
ListenGlasgow, Scotland: Deciphering the Glaswegian Accent from 2019-01-10T08:00
One out of every five Scots lives in greater Glasgow, and Glaswegians are friendly, unpretentious, and happy to rave about their town. The accent can be a little hard to understand, but you'll deve...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Glasgow and Scottish Passions from 2018-12-28T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! Glasgow, once an industrial powerhouse, offers a fun look at Scotland's vibrantly gritty urban side — full of ed...
ListenHighlands, Scotland: Clan Heritage from 2018-12-27T08:00
In Scotland, the Highlands have more than half the land and only 5 percent of the people. Still, it’s these Highlands — so vast, yet so sparsely populated — that give us the classic image of Scotla...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Scotland’s Islands from 2018-12-21T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! We'll begin on the tranquil Isle of Iona, where Christianity first reached the shores of Scotland. Then we'll vi...
ListenSyracuse, Italy: Neapolis Archaeological Park from 2018-12-19T08:00
The ancient Greek city of Syracuse (in present-day Italy) is long gone. But wandering through its scant remains in the city’s archaeological park, you pick up hints of its former power. This clip c...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Scotland's Highlands from 2018-12-17T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves' Europe episode! The Highlands stoke kilted dreams of Scotland...where legends of Bonnie Prince Charlie swirl around lonely castl...
ListenPalermo, Italy: Ballarò Market from 2018-12-12T08:00
You feel Palermo's boisterous spirit in its markets. At the gritty Ballarò Market, you wander among a commotion of stalls — all competing for the buyer's attention. It's an entertaining scene compl...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Sicilian Delights from 2018-12-10T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! Sicily serves up a full-bodied and tasty travel experience. We'll dine on fresh seafood at the fisherman's harbo...
ListenScotland: Highland Games from 2018-11-29T08:00
Communities throughout Scotland host a Highland Games, where kilted athletes from the surrounding countryside gather to show off their speed, strength, and grace. A Highland Games is an all-day cel...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: European Festivals II from 2018-11-26T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! In this second of two episodes on Europe's greatest festivals, we'll dance with Spaniards at Sevilla's April Fai...
ListenDelos, Greece: Ancient Ruins from 2018-11-21T08:00
The island of Delos was one of the most important places in the ancient Greek world, with temples honoring the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Delos was important in three different...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: European Festivals I from 2018-11-19T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! In this first of two episodes on Europe's greatest festivals, we'll cheer with the masses at Siena's crazy Palio...
ListenCruising Travel Skills: Town-Hopping in the French Riviera from 2018-11-14T08:00
The French Riviera is ideal for the well-organized independent cruiser. Towns are about 20 minutes apart by train, allowing cruisers to fit in visits to Nice, Monaco, and Villefranche all within on...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Greek Islands: Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes from 2018-11-12T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! We'll island-hop through the Aegean, sampling three classic Greek getaways — Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes — an...
ListenLisbon, Portugal: Naval History from 2018-10-31T08:00
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal became a leader in exploration and trade. Lisbon's Maritime Museum and Monument to the Discoveries celebrate Portugal's mastery of the sea. This clip comes ...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Portugal's Heartland from 2018-10-29T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! Portugal has an oversized history, fascinating culture, and boatloads of sardines. Saving the capital city of Li...
ListenCambridge, England: Historic University Town from 2018-10-24T08:00
The University of Cambridge is one of England's greatest universities. There's no main campus – instead, the university's many colleges are scattered throughout the charming town center. Many colle...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Lisbon from 2018-10-22T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! Lisbon, built with the riches of Portugal's New World discoveries, has a rustic charm. We'll remember great navi...
ListenKinsale, Ireland: Historic Town from 2018-10-17T08:00
In 1601, Irish patriots, chafing under English rule, conspired with the Spanish fleet to drive the English out. In a dramatic battle around the port of Kinsale, the Irish and Spanish were routed, a...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: The Heart of England from 2018-10-15T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! The heartland of England has sights that put the "Great" in Britain — its venerable universities, its royal heri...
ListenBurgundy, France: Village Life from 2018-10-10T08:00
French rural living celebrates simple pleasures. A great way to experience that is to rent a house in the country. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group to...
ListenWaterford, Ireland: The Oldest City in Ireland from 2018-09-26T08:00
Waterford is the main city of southeast Ireland, and claims to be the oldest city in the entire country. The Vikings landed here in 850 and established the town as base for piracy. At http://www.ri...
ListenMadrid, Spain: Remembering the Civil War from 2018-09-19T08:00
The Valley of the Fallen, near Madrid, is an immense and powerful underground monument to the victims of Spain's devastating Civil War. Picasso's famous mural "Guernica" (housed in Madrid's Centro ...
ListenVolterra, Italy: Etruscan Haven from 2018-09-12T08:00
Like many popular Tuscan towns, Volterra sits on an Etruscan foundation. Its Etruscan Museum is filled top to bottom with precious artifacts from centuries before Christ. At http://www.ricksteves.c...
ListenCobh, Ireland: History and Heritage from 2018-08-29T08:00
If your ancestors are Irish, chances are they left from Cobh. Of the millions of Irish who emigrated to America, Canada, and Australia, nearly half sailed from this town. Cobh's major sightseeing a...
ListenLondon, England: Victoria and Albert Museum from 2018-08-22T08:00
The immense Victoria and Albert Museum is named for the royal couple who did so much to support the many triumphs of their day. It's free to visit, and the huge collection illustrates the far reach...
ListenToledo, Spain: Magnificent Cathedral from 2018-08-15T08:00
Toledo, Spain’s leading Catholic city, has a magnificent cathedral. Shoehorned into the old center, its exterior rises brilliantly above the medieval clutter. And the interior — so lofty and vast —...
ListenPienza, Italy: Renaissance Remodel from 2018-07-25T08:00
Pienza is a small town that packs a lot of Renaissance punch. In the 1400s, Pope Pius II of the Piccolomini family decided to remodel his hometown in a style that was all the rage: Renaissance. At ...
ListenLondon, England: Apsley House from 2018-07-18T08:00
Apsley House was the mansion of the Duke of Wellington, who beat Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. The Duke of Wellington was once the most famous man in Europe, and his lavish living quarters are embe...
ListenÁvila, Spain: Perfectly Preserved from 2018-07-11T08:00
Ávila is famous for its perfectly preserved medieval walls. Built in around 1100, its wall is the most complete in all of Spain. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, ...
ListenBurgundy, France: Château de la Rochepot from 2018-06-27T08:00
Château de la Rochepot is a fine example of Burgundy, France's unspoilt charm. Constructed near the end of the Middle Ages, when castles were built to defend, it was completed during the Renaissanc...
ListenCórdoba, Spain: Andalucían Lifestyle from 2018-06-20T08:00
Córdoba's narrow, flower-bedecked lanes invite exploration. And here, as throughout Andalucía, festivals fill the calendar. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small...
ListenVolterra, Italy: Civic History from 2018-06-13T08:00
Italian towns like Volterra were truly city-states — they were fiercely independent and relatively democratic. Visiting as a traveler today, there's so much to see and learn…if you know where to lo...
ListenGranada, Spain: Albayzín and Alcaicería from 2018-05-30T08:00
The Albayzín in Granada is Spain's best old Moorish quarter, with its labyrinthine back lanes and inviting neighborhood squares. The Alcaicería, or silk market, is a tourist trap housed in a modern...
ListenBeachy Head, England: English Natural Beauty from 2018-05-23T08:00
Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, a series of chalk cliffs, are a stretch of the South Downs Way public walking trail in southeast England. The nearby hamlets of Birling Gap and East Dean provide ...
ListenWürzburg, Germany: Residenz from 2018-05-16T08:00
Opulent as a German Versailles, the prince-bishop's Residenz is the main attraction of Würzburg. The palace features several grand frescoes by the Venetian master Tiepolo, and a grand baroque hall ...
ListenDresden, Germany: Zwinger and Parade of Nobles from 2018-04-25T08:00
Augustus the Strong's royal festival complex, called the Zwinger, is an example of how the king's extravagance made Dresden a European capital of culture. The Parade of Nobles mural celebrates Dres...
ListenDingle Peninsula, Ireland: Great Blasket Island from 2018-04-18T08:00
The story of Great Blasket Island's tiny community — just a ghost town today — gives an insight to the soul of Ireland. Taking a boat ride there is a highlight for anyone interested in traditional ...
ListenBeaune, France: Market Day from 2018-04-11T08:00
To enjoy any small French town at its vibrant best, it's worth visiting on its market day. And the townscape of Beaune, lassoed within its medieval walls, is as French as you'll find anywhere. At h...
ListenHamburg, Germany: Maritime Metropolis from 2018-03-28T08:00
Heavy damage in World War II devastated the commercial center of Hamburg, Germany. But it's been enthusiastically rebuilt, and, since the reunification of Germany just a generation ago, it's gainin...
ListenNürnberg, Germany: National Museum and Albrecht Dürer House from 2018-03-14T08:00
Nürnberg's Germanic National Museum is dedicated to sharing the cultural history of the German-speaking world. Across the river, the Albrecht Dürer House is a fine museum about the life of perhaps ...
ListenAssisi, Italy: Legacy of St. Francis from 2018-02-28T08:00
In 1209, St. Francis established the Franciscan Order in Assisi, Italy. His legacy survives to this day and can be found in chapels and monasteries in and around his hill town home. At http://www.r...
ListenStanton, England: Church of St. Michael from 2018-02-21T08:00
Cotswold village churches welcome walkers to pop in and enjoy a thoughtful break. Inside Stanton's Church of St. Michael, you get a sense that this church has comforted this community in good times...
ListenCornwall, England: Cornish Pride from 2018-02-14T08:00
Cornwall was part of a "Celtic crescent" that nearly circles England. The Cornish people spoke their own language, which thrived for centuries. Cornwall is a county of England, but many native-born...
ListenVenice, Italy: Grand Canal Palaces from 2018-01-31T08:00
Because of its former wealth, Venice is a city of palaces, and the most lavish face the Grand Canal. Enjoying the views from a vaporetto is the best way to really appreciate the front doors of this...
ListenVeliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria: Medieval Capital from 2018-01-24T08:00
Veliko Tarnovo is Bulgaria's medieval capital. The ruins of its fortress are a reminder of the city's importance 800 years ago, and its craft street reveals a thriving folk culture. At http://www.r...
ListenFlorence, Italy: Palazzo Vecchio from 2018-01-17T08:00
Palazzo Vecchio is Florence's City Hall. While the exterior is medieval, Michelangelo's "David" (this one's a replica) seems to welcome you into the Renaissance world — and the dawn of our Modern A...
ListenCarpathian Mountains, Romania: Pele? Castle from 2018-01-10T08:00
Prickly with over-the-top spires, Romania's Pele? Castle ranks among Europe's finest Romantic Age palaces. It boasts one of the most dazzling late-19th-century interiors anywhere. At http://www.ric...
ListenThracian Plain, Bulgaria: Valley of the Roses from 2017-12-27T08:00
The Thracian Plain, defined by Bulgaria's two major mountain ranges, was a busy funnel of trade throughout ancient times. This region is also called the "Valley of the Roses," and the rose harvest ...
ListenSiena, Italy: Grand Gothic Cathedral from 2017-12-20T08:00
Siena's 13th-century Gothic cathedral, with its striped tower, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and covered with art. A highlight is the church's Piccolomini Library: Brilliantly frescoed, it captur...
ListenSevilla, Spain: Barrio de Santa Cruz from 2017-12-13T08:00
Sevilla, Spain's Santa Cruz neighborhood comes with a timeless beauty. Explore, wandering among lanes too narrow for cars, whitewashed houses corralling peaceful squares, and wrought-iron latticewo...
ListenLoire, France: Royal Retreats from 2017-11-29T08:00
The Loire River, gliding gently east to west, separating northern from southern France, has come to define this popular tourist region. The value of this river and the valley’s prime location, in t...
ListenRome, Italy: National Museum from 2017-11-22T08:00
A visit to Rome's National Museum at the Palazzo Massimo helps humanize the ancient Roman empire. The museum's collection tells the empire's story through art, and many aspects of ancient Roman lif...
ListenTuscany, Italy: Agriturismo Farm Stay from 2017-11-15T08:00
Tuscany's countryside is dotted with elegant, aristocratic homes that augment their farming income by renting rooms to travelers. At Villa Belvedere, Rick stays with a family who makes wine on thei...
ListenVenice, Italy: Romantic Canalside Dining from 2017-10-25T08:00
Rick and Venetian friends enjoy a fresh, local seafood dinner at I Figli delle Stelle Ristorante on the island of Giudecca. From this peaceful canalside perch, the hub-bub of downtown Venice become...
ListenBucharest, Romania: Winds of Change from 2017-10-18T08:00
Nicolae Ceau?escu took power in Romania in 1965, and through his 24-year dictatorship his ego ballooned. The culmination of his master plan was an immense palace with more than a thousand rooms, no...
ListenMunich, Germany: Alte Pinakothek from 2017-10-11T08:00
Munich's Alte Pinakothek — or "old painting gallery" — shows off Bavaria's best collection of European masterpieces from the 14th through the 18th centuries. Travelers can enjoy works by many great...
ListenParis, France: Cluny Museum from 2017-09-27T08:00
The Cluny Museum in Paris, France, has a rich collection of medieval art offers a rare peek into that mysterious age. Its centerpiece is a 15th-century series of tapestries called "The Lady and the...
ListenSiena, Italy: Timeless Magic from 2017-09-20T08:00
The back streets of Siena have changed little since the days of the Renaissance. Make a point to get away from the crowds and enjoy a quiet moment with the timeless magic of Siena. At http://www.ri...
ListenAmsterdam, Netherlands: Dutch Resistance Museum from 2017-09-13T08:00
Amsterdam's Dutch Resistance Museum takes you behind the scenes during the Nazi occupation, and tells how the Dutch fought back. The suffering was horrific; many starved, and many barely survived o...
ListenPlovdiv, Bulgaria: Mousetrap District from 2017-08-30T08:00
Just steps away from the Old Town in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is the vibrant and fun-loving corner of town called the "Mousetrap." Newly revitalized, this artsy district is where foodies and creative you...
ListenFlorence, Italy: Medici Sights from 2017-08-23T08:00
Florence, Italy, was the epicenter of the Renaissance, the cultural explosion that propelled Europe out of the Middle Ages and into an economic, intellectual, and artistic boom time. Wealth from th...
ListenFrankfurt, Germany: Old and New from 2017-08-16T08:00
Frankfurt, Germany, is full of contrasts. The skyscrapers of Frankfurt's banking district tower above and beyond its fine 100-year-old facades, reflecting the glaring modernity of this ever-changin...
ListenAnatolia, Turkey: Aphrodisias from 2017-07-26T08:00
The ancient city of Aphrodisias, in western Turkey, is a relatively recent excavation. The more they dig the more many archaeologists believe that Anatolia, rather than Mesopotamia, is the cradle o...
ListenHoorn, Netherlands: Holland's Golden Age from 2017-07-19T08:00
Hoorn, Netherlands, was one of six trading cities that joined forces to create the Dutch East India Company. At the Westfries Museum, you feel the pride and the power of the Dutch Golden Age — when...
ListenFrankfurt, Germany: Market Hall and Medieval Square from 2017-07-12T08:00
Frankfurt's Kleinmarkthalle is a delightful neighborhood favorite. Just around the corner is Römerberg, Frankfurt's old main square, lined with half-timbered buildings. At http://www.ricksteves.com...
ListenLeipzig, Germany: Monument to the Battle of the Nations from 2017-06-28T08:00
The gigantic monument outside Leipzig, Germany, commemorates the pivotal "Battle of the Nations," which involved forces all over Europe. It feels religious, but it's strikingly secular — a powerf...
ListenBalkan Mountains, Bulgaria: Battle Monuments from 2017-06-21T08:00
Bulgaria's Balkan Mountains are home to several sites that serve as reminders of Bulgaria's history. Shipka Pass and Shipka Church honors the sacrifice of Bulgaria and Russian troops in a battle ag...
ListenÜrgüp, Turkey: Market Day from 2017-06-14T08:00
In the town of Ürgüp, Turkey, the market day gives travelers a chance to appreciate the culture. Wherever you travel, exploring a vibrant scene like this gives a fine insight into how the people li...
ListenAssisi, Italy: Home of St. Francis from 2017-05-31T08:00
A visit to Assisi, Italy, shows that Francis' message of universal love has a broad and timeless appeal. To enjoy Assisi at its peaceful best, see it early or see it late. At http://www.ricksteves....
ListenNu?rnberg, Germany: Medieval Marvel from 2017-05-24T08:00
Nürnberg was one of Germany's — in fact Europe's — leading cities 500 years ago, and was an industrial marvel. The scenic remnants of its hard medieval past are now just an added dimension of a del...
ListenTransylvania, Romania: The Roma People from 2017-05-17T08:00
Of Romania's many people, one group in particular has struggled to fit in: the Roma. Also known as "Gypsies," the Roma originated in India and were nomads who migrated over the centuries throughout...
ListenGlastonbury, England: Tor and Abbey from 2017-05-10T08:00
Glastonbury, England is considered the birthplace of Christianity in England and the burial site of the legendary King Arthur. A variety of travelers and seekers come to visit the Glastonbury Tor, ...
ListenDresden, Germany: Green Vault and Armory from 2017-04-26T08:00
Dresden's Historic Green Vault (in the Royal Palace) contains a glittering Baroque treasure collection that's a must-see. The adjacent Royal Armory fills a long room with centuries-old armor. At ht...
ListenPlovdiv, Bulgaria: Delightful Art and Architecture from 2017-04-19T08:00
Plovdiv's atmospheric Old Town is a showcase of delightful buildings from the 1800s during the Bulgarian National Revival. Nearby is a museum celebrating the work of the Bulgarian artist Zlatyu Boy...
ListenAmsterdam, Netherlands: Bike Culture from 2017-04-12T08:00
One of the joys of visiting Amsterdam is simply being in the swirl of healthy, busy, biking Dutch. Don't forget to look up past the bikers to observe Amsterdam's beautiful homes decorated with orna...
ListenSomerset, England: Cider Farm from 2017-03-29T08:00
The countryside around Wells, England, is great for growing apples and you can visit farms that brew the authentic hard cider — known around here as "scrumpy." And at Land's End Cider Farm, Roger W...
ListenSiena, Italy: Passeggiata and Aperitivo from 2017-03-22T08:00
The Italian ritual of the early evening stroll is called the "passeggiata." After cruising through the stony streets with friends and family, enjoy an "aperitivo" cocktail and snacks during the Ita...
ListenVillandry, France: Château Gardens from 2017-03-15T13:00
Château de Villandry is home to Rick's favorite gardens in France's Loire. The grounds are arranged in elaborate geometric patterns and immaculately maintained. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you'll...
ListenBrighton, England: Royal Pavilion and Pier from 2017-02-22T14:00
Brighton is south England's Coney Island, and Brighton Pier is the place to go for a fix of junk food and dizzying rides. Just a couple blocks down is Brighton's Royal Pavilion, with its eccentric ...
ListenWells, England: Medieval Center and Cathedral from 2017-02-15T08:00
The wonderfully preserved city of Wells, England, is dominated by its glorious Gothic cathedral. The city's charming center is surrounded by medieval architecture. At http://www.ricksteves.com, you...
ListenMaramure?, Romania: Traditional Farm Life from 2017-01-25T08:00
At the fringe of Romania, tucked next to the Ukrainian border, is the country's most isolated region: Maramure?. Maramure? is a fiercely traditional place where centuries-old ways endure. At http:/...
ListenSofia, Bulgaria: Layers of History and Diversity from 2017-01-18T08:00
Because of Bulgaria's strategic position, Sofia sits on layers of history. From ancient Greeks and Romans to fearsome Slavic warriors, from Ottoman pashas to Cold War communists, each left its mark...
ListenFrankfurt, Germany: Banking Hub from 2017-01-11T08:00
Cosmopolitan Frankfurt — nicknamed "Bankfurt" — is a trading hub of a united Europe, home to the European Central Bank, and a center for global commerce. Though it may be low on Old World charm, it...
ListenErfurt, Germany: Fairy-Tale Town on the Luther Trail from 2016-12-28T08:00
Martin Luther went to law school in Erfurt, Germany, and today, this half-timbered medieval town remains an charming destination that Luther himself would recognize. This is the land of fairy tales...
ListenCornwall, England: St Michael's Mount and Penzance from 2016-12-21T08:00
Once a Benedictine monastery, St. Michael's Mount was later a fortified castle, and eventually a stately home. Nearby is Penzance — a blue-collar transportation hub and Rick's favorite home base in...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: England's Cornwall from 2016-12-16T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! The far southwest of England is a world unto itself, with a persistent Cornish culture. We'll explore a world of...
ListenDover, England: Historic Castle and White Cliffs from 2016-12-14T08:00
The White Cliffs of Dover overlook the English Channel. Sitting atop those cliffs is the impressive Dover Castle — the site of England's primary defensive stronghold from ancient Roman until modern...
ListenSiena, Italy: Palio Horse Race from 2016-11-30T08:00
Each July and August, the entire city of Siena, Italy, readies itself for its big Palio horse race. During the race, life stops for the frantic three laps…just 90 seconds. At http://www.ricksteves....
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Siena and Tuscany's Wine Country from 2016-11-23T15:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! Siena, once a proud and independent city-state, retains its confidence and unique traditions. We’ll enjoy a fron...
ListenAssisi, Italy: Basilica of St. Francis from 2016-11-23T08:00
Italy's Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi rises where St. Francis was buried in 1230. For eight centuries it's been one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in all of Christendom. At http://www.ric...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Assisi and Italian Country Charm from 2016-11-18T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! In the Italian countryside, we'll connect with rustic, traditional culture: enjoying an agriturismo (farmhouse i...
ListenBucharest, Romania: Eclectic and Rejuvenated from 2016-11-16T08:00
Romania's capital, Bucharest — with about two million people — is a sprawling tangle of buildings. First-time visitors are struck by its eclectic mix of architecture and recently rejuvenated Old To...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Romania from 2016-11-11T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! We'll tour Romania's vibrant capital, Bucharest, with its "Little Paris of the East" architecture and lingering ...
ListenNürnberg, Germany: Nazi History Sites from 2016-10-28T08:00
The city of Nürnberg, Germany, was a favorite of Adolf Hitler's. A short tram ride from the center is a collection of important Nazi sites, including Zeppelin Field, Nazi Congress Hall and Nazi Doc...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Germany's Frankfurt and Nürnberg from 2016-10-28T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! Skyscraper-studded Frankfurt — with so much commerce it’s nicknamed “Bankfurt” — has a delightful-to-explore old...
ListenLeipzig, Germany: Rebuilt City Center from 2016-10-26T08:00
WWII bombs destroyed much of Leipzig and the Communists followed that with four decades of neglect. But in the generation since 1989, the people of Leipzig have dramatically remade their city. At h...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Germany's Dresden and Leipzig from 2016-10-21T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! Saxony, part of the former East Germany, remains a secret to most travelers. We’ll visit the two great cities of...
ListenHamburg, Germany: HafenCity from 2016-10-19T08:00
Hamburg's re-energized HafenCity district seems a city in itself, mixing its maritime heritage with striking modern architecture. Hamburg has created a healthy mix of business, culture, and leisure...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Germany's Hamburg and the Luther Trail from 2016-10-14T08:00
Check your local public television station for this new Rick Steves’ Europe episode! Hamburg, Germany’s mighty port city, has risen from the ashes of World War II with a gleaming new skyline and a ...
ListenRome, Italy: Capitoline Museums from 2016-10-12T08:00
The Capitoline Museums in Rome, Italy, help you imagine life before the fall of Rome. The museum's collection of great art from antiquity includes Michelangelo's statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius a...
ListenPrague, Czech Republic: Strahov Monastery from 2016-09-28T08:00
Prague's Strahov Monastery is most noted for its large library — a Baroque center of learning, with ornate reading rooms and old-fashioned science exhibits. It’s hard to overestimate the importance...
ListenCappadocia, Turkey: Cave City from 2016-09-21T08:00
The Zelve Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia, Turkey, serves as a great example of how ancient Turks used whatever natured offered them to create thriving communities. Caves served as ancient condominiu...
ListenBerlin, Germany: A Modern View from 2016-09-14T08:00
Just strolling through Berlin, Germany's delightful parks and neighborhoods gives a fun glimpse into today's good times. Life here, especially in what was dreary East Berlin, is a poignant — even j...
ListenLoire, France: Château de Chambord from 2016-08-31T08:00
With its huge scale and prickly silhouette, Château de Chambord is the most “must-see” of all of France's Loire Valley châteaux. If you hate crowds, you’ll like Chambord. At www.ricksteves.com, you...
ListenSevilla, Spain: Gothic Cathedral from 2016-08-24T08:00
Spain's Seville Cathedral is the third-largest church in Europe (after St. Peter’s in the Vatican, and St. Paul’s in London) and the largest Gothic church anywhere. When they ripped down the mosque...
ListenNetherlands: Storm Barrier and Scheveningen from 2016-08-17T08:00
Because half of the Netherlands is below sea level, the Dutch must battle the North Sea by creating and maintaining dikes. But at the sea-side resort Scheveningen, the Dutch play in the sea, rather...
ListenDublin, Ireland: St. Stephen's Green and Georgian Homes from 2016-08-10T08:00
St. Stephen's Green in Dublin, Ireland, is a lush city park and cheery lunchtime spot. Nearby, you can visit the museum at Number 29 Lower Fitzwilliam Street for a step back into Dublin's Georgian ...
ListenRome, Italy: Spanish Steps and Campo de' Fiori from 2016-07-27T08:00
The Spanish Steps and Campo de' Fiori in Rome, Italy, are two popular gathering places for locals and travelers alike. The Spanish Steps offer a place for romantics to savor the joy of being in Rom...
ListenCopenhagen, Denmark: Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek from 2016-07-20T08:00
Copenhagen's Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is one of Scandinavia's top art galleries. From the delightful Wintergarden at the museum's entrance, you can go off to explore the museum's fortes: ancient Medi...
ListenJerusalem, Israel: Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center from 2016-07-13T08:00
The best place to both remember and learn about the Holocaust is Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, Israel. This sprawling and beautifully landscaped memorial and museum is dedicated to chronicling, remember...
ListenRhine Valley, Germany: Loreley to St. Goar from 2016-06-29T08:00
The powerful Rhine has long been treacherous to navigate. The most dangerous bend in the river swings around a rocky bluff called the Loreley. Just downriver from the Loreley is the pleasant town o...
ListenEdinburgh, Scotland: Pubs and Writers from 2016-06-22T08:00
Two things Scotland is known for are its convivial pubs and its great literature. To enliven its literary history, take the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-sav...
ListenPrague, Czech Republic: City of Music from 2016-06-15T08:00
Prague has long been a mecca for musicians — Mozart's opera, Don Giovanni, debuted here, and Dvo?ák lived and composed here. Box offices around town give you all the options, and tickets are about ...
ListenBruges, Belgium: Church of Our Lady and Memling Museum from 2016-05-25T08:00
For 600 years the Church of Our Lady in Bruges, Belgium, has stood as a memorial to the power and wealth of Bruges at its height. Across the street is a former hospital that has been converted into...
ListenWestern Turkey: Enjoying Turkish Pide from 2016-05-18T08:00
A Turkish pizza is called pide. In Turkey, get off the main road — any little town will have the local equivalent of a pizza joint. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, smal...
ListenParis, France: La Défense from 2016-05-11T08:00
La Défense in Paris, France, is a forest of skyscrapers nicknamed Paris’s “petit Manhattan.” La Grande Arche, inaugurated in 1989 on the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution, is the centerpie...
ListenVienna, Austria: Street Scenes and Eats from 2016-04-27T08:00
Taking a stroll through the old town of Vienna, Austria, offers opportunities to be delighted by elegant storefronts and lively people-watching. Grab a quick herring sandwich and a tiny Austrian be...
ListenVerona, Italy: Fine Dining and Wine from 2016-04-20T08:00
At Enoteca Cangrande in Verona, Italy, an array of dishes and wines celebrate local Italian ingredients. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, ...
ListenJerusalem, Israel: Jewish Quarter and New City from 2016-04-13T08:00
In Jerusalem’s New City, we appreciate this culture’s fascinating mix of east and west, secular and sacred, modern and traditional. While it’s not convenient or economical to live in the medieval t...
ListenVersailles, France: Palace Gardens and Little Hamlet from 2016-03-30T08:00
The Palace of Versailles outside Paris, France, was built along an eight-mile axis. The palace's lavish gardens were Louis XIV's way of asserting his total command over nature, while Marie Antoinet...
ListenNetherlands: Polders and Windmills from 2016-03-23T08:00
Holland's polder land was once covered by the sea, but it was eventually encircled by dikes and dams, then drained. To pump out all that water, the Dutch used one of their leading natural resources...
ListenGüzelyurt, Turkey: Conversation with an Imam from 2016-03-16T08:00
Hear from an imam in central Turkey about his role as the caretaker of his mosque and a brief explanation of Muslim beliefs. “Imam” means “teacher”; he’d be the equivalent of a Christian pastor. At...
ListenEpidavros, Greece: Perfect Acoustics from 2016-02-24T08:00
The sanctuary at Epidavros, Greece, has the best-preserved theater in the ancient world and the scant remains of its city. Though it hasn't been in operation since 426 A.D., the theater still has p...
ListenDublin, Ireland: Guinness Storehouse and Musical Pub Crawl from 2016-02-17T08:00
The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, home of Ireland's national beer, welcomes visitors — for a price — with a huge exhibit. And because good Irish beer comes with good Irish music, we're taking the ...
ListenBerlin, Germany: Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island from 2016-02-10T08:00
While it's overseen plenty of war, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, was designed as an arch of peace. From here, we travel through Berlin's historic axis, along the Unter den Linden, to the...
ListenParis, France: Multiethnic City from 2016-01-27T08:00
The population of France is becoming increasingly diverse, and this is particularly true here in its cosmopolitan capital. The mission of the Arab World Institute in Paris is to build understandin...
ListenPrague, Czech Republic: Jewish Quarter from 2016-01-20T08:00
Prague, Czech Republic, is home to Europe's most interesting Jewish quarter. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, po...
ListenVenice, Italy: Grand Canal and La Salute Church from 2016-01-13T08:00
About 25 miles of canals crisscross Venice, Italy, flowing like streams into the Grand Canal. Where the Grand Canal opens up into the lagoon stands one of Venice's most distinctive landmarks, the c...
ListenWest Bank: Dates and the Dead Sea from 2015-12-30T08:00
The fabled Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, and locals rely on the water's minerals to keep their skin young. En route to the Dead Sea, Medjool dates are ripe for tasting in Jericho. At www.r...
ListenEuropean Christmas Extra: Scenes from a European Christmas from 2015-12-23T08:00
In this special clip from Rick Steves' European Christmas special, we enjoy two pieces from two European choirs: "Joy to the World" sung by the Norwegian Girls Choir in Oslo, Norway, followed by "D...
ListenFlorence, Italy: Church of San Miniato and Piazzale Michelangelo from 2015-12-16T08:00
For a thousand years, Florence's Church of San Miniato — still part of a functioning Benedictine monastery — has blessed the city that lies at the foot of its hill. While San Miniato comes with com...
ListenBurgos, Spain: Cathedral on the Camino from 2015-11-25T08:00
Burgos is positioned along Spain's Camino de Santiago, and is dominated by an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebo...
ListenRome, Italy: Catacombs and Appian Way from 2015-11-18T08:00
For a little early-Christian history, we're heading outside the city of Rome, Italy, for a look at the catacombs via the Appian Way — ancient Rome's gateway to the East. At www.ricksteves.com, you'...
ListenBerlin, Germany: Potsdamer Platz and Alexanderplatz from 2015-11-11T08:00
Potsdamer Platz and Alexanderplatz are two squares in Berlin, Germany, that have a dark past and a thriving present. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, ...
ListenPrague, Czech Republic: Wenceslas Square from 2015-10-28T08:00
Prague's Wenceslas Square is the main square of the Czech Republic, and the natural assembly point when the Czech people need to raise their collective voice for change. At www.ricksteves.com, you'...
ListenJerusalem, Israel: Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulchre from 2015-10-21T08:00
A high point for Christians visiting Jerusalem, Israel, is the Via Dolorosa - the route it's believe Jesus walked as he carried the cross. The pilgrim's journey ends in the Church of the Holy Sepul...
ListenAmboise, France: Château du Clos Lucé from 2015-10-14T08:00
Clos-Lucé, a small mansion down the street from the royal Château d'Amboise in Amboise, France, was Leonardo da Vinci's official residence for the last years of his life. At www.ricksteves.com, you...
ListenBattir, Palestine: Olive Harvest from 2015-09-30T08:00
Palestine's Battir Natural Park is famed for its hikes through olive groves and ancient terraces. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV show...
ListenCinque Terre, Italy: Manarola and Riomaggiore from 2015-09-23T08:00
Rick explores more of the Cinque Terre, from Manarola's cemeteries high in the hills to Riomaggiore's tangle of pastel houses. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-gro...
ListenAnkara, Turkey: Atatürk, the Father of Modern Turkey from 2015-09-16T08:00
Ankara, Turkey, is the vibrant capital of a modern Turkey, thanks to Turkey's greatest statesman, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tou...
ListenPrague, Czech Republic: Mucha's Masterpieces from 2015-08-26T08:00
Alfons Mucha's Art Nouveau masterpieces are displayed in Prague's Mucha Museum and Czech National Gallery of Modern Art. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tou...
ListenJerusalem, Israel: Muslim Quarter from 2015-08-19T08:00
Jerusalem's Muslim Quarter is within the Old City — a labyrinth rich with sights, sounds, and experiences that reward the curious traveler. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel ti...
ListenPadova, Italy: Markets and Aperitivo from 2015-08-12T08:00
Rick visits the markets of the Palazzo della Ragione and learns how to linger with locals. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radi...
ListenEphesus, Turkey: Ancient City from 2015-07-29T08:00
Rick joins his friend (and guide for Rick's bus tours through Turkey), to learn about the ancient home of the Ephesians — one of the world’s greatest classical sites. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll ...
ListenBerlin, Germany: History of the Reichstag from 2015-07-22T08:00
Germany’s parliament building, or “Reichstag,” is the symbolic heart of German democracy. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio...
ListenHebron, Palestine: Tomb of Abraham from 2015-07-15T08:00
In this clip from Rick's Holy Land special, we visit Hebron's Tomb of Abraham to see how two communities struggle to be near this sacred site. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel...
ListenPrague, Czech Republic: Prague Castle from 2015-06-24T08:00
Rick joins his Czech tour guide for a sweep through Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the tomb of St. Wenceslas. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours...
ListenGalilee, Israel: Sacred Sites Along the Sea from 2015-06-17T08:00
Galilee is famous as the place where Jesus did his three years of ministry, and where so many Bible stories were set. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours,...
ListenKonya, Turkey: Home of Mevlana and Dervishes from 2015-06-10T08:00
Konya is one of the oldest, most conservative, and religious cities in the world. It's the home of 13th-century Muslim philosopher Mevlana, whose followers whirl in a meditative trance. At www.rick...
ListenDelft, Netherlands: Town Square and Delftware from 2015-06-03T08:00
We stroll along Delft's idyllic canals and markets, and see how its famous Delftware porcelain is made. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, T...
ListenPadova, Italy: The Scrovegni Chapel from 2015-05-27T08:00
Padova's Scrovegni Chapel, with its precious 14th-century Giotto frescoes, is one of Italy’s most beloved art treasures. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tou...
ListenBerlin, Germany: The Wall and Checkpoint Charlie from 2015-05-20T08:00
The Berlin Wall Memorial and Museum House at Checkpoint Charlie educate visitors about Berlin's tumultuous 20th century. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tou...
ListenFontainebleau, France: Royal Château from 2015-05-13T08:00
It seems every king, queen, and emperor since has loved this palace — Louis XIII was born here, Louis XV was married here — but Fontainebleau has more Napoleon Bonaparte connections than any other ...
ListenPrague, Czech Republic: Old Town Square from 2015-04-29T08:00
Prague’s Old Town Square is filled with beautifully preserved landmarks: the Gothic Týn Church, a memorial to Jan Hus, and a 15-century Astronomical Clock. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-...
ListenGüzelyurt, Turkey: Beautiful Land from 2015-04-22T08:00
Güzelyurt is the kind of discovery I love to feature in my guidebooks — almost no tourism, lots of history, plenty of character. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-g...
ListenTel Aviv, Israel: Beautiful Beaches and Tasty Cuisine from 2015-04-15T08:00
Tel Aviv is a young, modern city with gleaming new buildings, a beautiful beach scene, and delicious, locally-sourced cuisine. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-gro...
ListenCheverny, France: Château and Hounds from 2015-03-25T08:00
The stately hunting palace of Cheverny is immaculately preserved, having stayed in the same family for five centuries. The kennel is also worth a visit at dinnertime, when the 70 hunting hounds are...
ListenAntalya, Turkey: Relaxing Gulet Cruise from 2015-03-18T08:00
A popular excursion from Antalya is a cruise on a gulet — the traditional Turkish sailboat. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, rad...
ListenHaarlem, Netherlands: Herring and Heritage from 2015-03-11T08:00
Haarlem is a "Dutch Masters" kind of town, with plenty of 17th-century architecture. Dodge bikes down narrow lanes to discover some of Haarlem's gems — pickled herring, masterpieces by Frans Hals, ...
ListenVerona, Italy: Ambience and a Grappa Taste Test from 2015-02-25T08:00
About two hours from touristy Venice is Verona — a welcome sip of pure, easygoing Italy. Its main attractions are its wealth of Roman ruins and its 21st-century quiet, pedestrian-only ambience. At ...
ListenPrague, Czech Republic: Charles Bridge and a Czech Language Lesson from 2015-02-18T08:00
One of Europe's most pleasant strolls is along Prague's historic coronation route. Use it as a spine, but make a point to venture beyond, and learn enough Czech to interact with the locals. At www....
ListenChartres, France: Pure Gothic Cathedral from 2015-02-11T08:00
A great side trip from Paris is the city of Chartres — and its famous cathedral, arguably Europe’s best example of pure Gothic architecture. It was built quickly, so the cathedral has a unity of ar...
ListenCappadocia, Turkey: Hot-Air Balloon Ride from 2015-01-28T08:00
Cappadocia is rightly famous for its fantastic land formations and labyrinthine cave dwellings going back to early Christian days. And it's also famous for a breathtaking way to survey this exotic ...
ListenBethlehem, Palestine: Church of the Nativity from 2015-01-21T08:00
No longer just the little town of Christmas-carol fame, Bethlehem is a leading Palestinian city. Its skyline is a commotion of both crescents and crosses — a reminder that the town, while now mostl...
ListenVernazza, Italy: Cinque Terre's Jewel from 2015-01-14T08:00
In Vernazza, the action's at the harbor, where you’ll find a kids' beach, plenty of sunning rocks, and a wealth of cafés and restaurants. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips...
ListenJerusalem, Israel: Temple Mount and The Dome of the Rock from 2014-12-31T08:00
Jerusalem is alive with religious tradition and passion — Christian, Muslim, and Jewish. Within a 10-minute walk you can see the Church of the Holy Sepulchre — so sacred to Christians, the Dome of ...
ListenHierapolis and Pamukkale, Turkey: Curative Waters from 2014-12-24T08:00
In Turkey, we travel to the ancient spa of Hierapolis, famous since ancient times for its curative waters and tranquility. The nearby wondrous white cliffs of Pamukkale create a scenic backdrop for...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Berlin from 2014-12-17T08:00
Rick's newest series of travel shows is now premiering on public television stations across the US. Next up — fast-changing, vibrant Berlin. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel t...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Prague from 2014-12-10T08:00
Rick's newest series of travel shows is now premiering on public television stations across the US. Next up — beautifully preserved Prague. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel ti...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Amsterdam from 2014-11-26T08:00
Rick's newest series of travel shows is now premiering on public television stations across the US. Next up — progressive Amsterdam. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, sma...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Italy's Verona, Padova, and Ravenna from 2014-11-19T08:00
Rick's newest series of travel shows is now premiering on public television stations across the US. Next up — Italy's Verona, Padova, and Ravenna. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving tr...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Italy's Riviera from 2014-11-12T08:00
Rick's newest series of travel shows is now premiering on public television stations across the US. Next up — Italy's idyllic Riviera. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, s...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Best of Israel from 2014-10-29T08:00
Rick's newest series of travel shows premieres this fall on public television stations across the US. Next up — intriguing Israel. Watch the full episode at www.ricksteves.com. At www.ricksteves.c...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: Paris Side-Trips from 2014-10-22T08:00
Rick's newest series of travel shows premieres this fall on public television stations across the US. Next up — Paris Side-Trips to extravagant palaces and châteaux. Watch the full episode at www.r...
ListenRick Steves' Europe Preview: France's Loire: Château Country from 2014-10-15T08:00
Rick's newest series of travel shows premieres this fall on public television stations across the US. Next up — France's castle-studded Loire Valley. Watch the full episode at www.ricksteves.com. A...
ListenGalicia, Spain: Walking the Camino de Santiago from 2014-09-24T08:00
On the Camino de Santiago, pilgrims reflect on their motivation while heading toward the last leg of their journey. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, g...
ListenLondon, England: Harrods Department Store from 2014-09-17T08:00
Harrods is huge — 300 departments, a million square feet on seven floors — yet classy. Don't miss the Food Halls, Egyptian Escalator, and shrine to Princess Diana and Dodi Al-Fayed (his father was ...
ListenParis, France: Café Culture from 2014-09-10T08:00
Learn how to savor the famous Parisian café scene. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this d...
ListenVenice, Italy: Musica a Palazzo and St. Mark's Square from 2014-08-27T08:00
Venice's Musica a Palazzo performs the Barber of Seville by Rossini, and café orchestras in St. Mark's Square keep the music playing all night. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving trave...
ListenBudapest, Hungary: Castle Hill and Chain Bridge from 2014-08-20T08:00
This video takes you to Budapest's Castle Hill landmarks, including the royal palace, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, Buda Funicular, and Chain Bridge. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find mone...
ListenMadrid, Spain: Plaza Mayor and Bullfighting Culture from 2014-08-13T08:00
Madrid's Plaza Mayor is an inviting place for people to gather, and host to one of Madrid's many "bull bars" — La Torre del Oro. Grab a quick sangria here and get a dose of bullfight "culture" with...
ListenEdinburgh, Scotland: Georgian New Town from 2014-07-30T08:00
In this video, we'll travel to Edinburgh's Georgian New Town and Princes Street Gardens. The New Town was a late 18th-century expansion for the upper class; the neighboring gardens were created by ...
ListenRome, Italy: Jewish Quarter from 2014-07-23T08:00
In this video, we'll take a trip to Rome's Jewish Quarter, one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks...
ListenNorth England: Cumbrian Lake District from 2014-07-16T08:00
This video takes you to the Cumbrian Lake District, the perfect spot for relaxtion, scenic hiking, and hilltop picnics. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tour...
ListenFlorence, Italy: Renaissance Art and Architecture from 2014-06-25T08:00
After the fall of Rome and the Dark Ages, the Renaissance sprouted in Florence under the patronage of wealthy merchant and banking families like the Medici. This exciting rebirth of Greek and Roman...
ListenBudapest, Hungary: Great Synagogue from 2014-06-18T08:00
The huge and gorgeously restored Great Synagogue (also called Dohány Street Synagogue) is the biggest in Europe. Tour the ornately Moorish-flavored interior and explore the attached museum. Outside...
ListenTarifa, Spain: Fun on the Strait of Gibraltar from 2014-06-11T08:00
Nestled snuggly on Europe's southwestern tip, Tarifa's whitewashed old town and long sandy beaches beckon. Stiff Atlantic breezes make Tarifa a wind-sport mecca. Across the narrow strait the exotic...
ListenVienna, Austria: Sweet Temptations from 2014-05-28T08:00
The laid-back Viennese appreciate the fine points of life, and right up there with waltzing is eating. Café Demel, on elegant Kohlmarkt Street near the Hofburg Palace is the ultimate candy and pas...
ListenParis, France: An Urban Playground from 2014-05-21T08:00
Paris has a uniquely French way of embracing life. You'll find petanque players in neighborhood parks, summertime sunbathers on the sandy urban "beach" along the River Seine, roller-bladers gliding...
ListenVenice, Italy: St. Mark's Basilica from 2014-05-14T08:00
Among Europe's churches, the Byzantine marvel of St. Mark's stands alone. After the saint's remains were smuggled here in 828, Venice took his symbol (the winged lion) as their own. Built with pill...
ListenLake Bled, Slovenia: Exploring a Dictator's Villa from 2014-04-30T08:00
This lakeside villa was once the summer residence for the Yugoslav royal family. Post-WWII, when Tito ran Yugoslavia with his unique style of Communism called the "Third Way," he entertained intern...
ListenOslo, Norway: National Gallery from 2014-04-23T08:00
The National Gallery features art showcasing the powerful beauty of Norway’s landscape and people. A visit here gives those heading into the mountains and fjord country a chance to pack along a lit...
ListenTrastevere, Italy: The Colorful Side of Rome from 2014-04-16T08:00
Rome's Trastevere district is the place to immerse yourself in the crustier side of the Eternal City. Tucked between the Tiber River and the Janiculum Hill, this neighborhood feels worlds away from...
ListenParis, France: The Magnificent Louvre from 2014-03-26T08:00
Filled with over 30,000 works of art, the Louvre is a treasure trove of Western civilization. This vast former royal palace is famous as the home to Mona (Lisa) and Venus (de Milo) but that’s just ...
ListenEuropean Travel Skills: Enjoying Europe's Unification from 2014-03-19T08:00
Europe is continuing to unite — both politically and physically. From the start, the wealthier countries of the European Union have helped their less-affluent neighbors catch up. And, after a gener...
ListenBudapest, Hungary: Heroes' Square and City Park from 2014-03-12T08:00
Budapest's main drag, Andrássy Boulevard, is a good place to stroll and get a feel for today’s urban Pest. At the boulevard's end, you’ll find the grand Heroes’ Square, dripping with history; the v...
ListenFlorence, Italy: The Uffizi Gallery from 2014-02-26T08:00
No trip to Florence is complete without a visit to the masterpiece-packed Uffizi Gallery. On a single floor, travelers experience a thrilling sweep through art history, spanning the 12th through th...
ListenAvignon, France: Youthful City in Medieval Walls from 2014-02-19T08:00
With its large student population and fashionable shops, Avignon is an intriguing blend of medieval history, youthful energy, and urban sophistication. For more information on the Rick Steves' Euro...
ListenLondon, England: Swanky Shopping and Soho from 2014-02-12T08:00
London teems with lively shopping districts. Near Piccadilly, stroll Jermyn Street's quintessentially English shops for an elegant experience. Nearby the trendy Soho district beckons with its thriv...
ListenStockholm, Sweden: Green, Clean and People-Friendly from 2014-01-29T08:00
Sweden's stunning capital is one-third water, one-third parks, one-third city and bubbles with energy and history. And they have an Ice Bar! Swedes are leaders among Europeans with their social leg...
ListenVenice, Italy: The Doge's Palace from 2014-01-22T08:00
The Doge's Palace — the ruling center and opulent, art-filled residence of Venice's duke — was built to show off the wealth of the republic and to remind visitors that Venice's mighty trading empir...
ListenParis, France: Sainte-Chapelle's Dazzling Interior from 2014-01-15T08:00
The best original Gothic stained glass is found in the Sainte-Chapelle church in Paris. Step inside and be overwhelmed by the dazzling light-filled interior. Its architectural harmony is due to the...
ListenRome, Italy: On the Pilgrimage Trail from 2013-12-25T08:00
In Rome, you'll rub elbows with religious pilgrims from around the world. A major stop on the pilgrimage trail is San Giovanni in Laterano, the first Christian church in the city of Rome. Even toda...
ListenOslo, Norway: Lively, Lovely City on the Fjord from 2013-12-18T08:00
Spectacularly situated at the head of a 60-mile-long fjord, Oslo is Norway's biggest city - yet it’s easy to navigate with its compact historic core and great public transportation. Karl Johans Gat...
ListenLake District, England: Sheepdog Trial and Hound Show from 2013-12-11T08:00
Sheepdog trial and hound shows in the Lake District are entertaining for weather-beaten shepherds, gentleman farmers and curious tourists alike. The fascinating local culture is alive and well and ...
ListenCopenhagen, Denmark: Canal Boat Cruise from 2013-11-27T08:00
Copenhagen means "Merchants' Harbor" and impressive buildings from many eras hug the waterfront. Harbor tour boats come and go constantly, giving visitors a relaxing glide down the historic canals ...
ListenParis, France: Monet's Dreamy Water Lilies from 2013-11-20T08:00
Step out of the leafy, sun-dappled Impressionist painting that is the Tuileries Garden and into the Orangerie, a little jewel box of a museum featuring works by Monet, Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, and...
ListenRome, Italy: The Pantheon from 2013-11-13T08:00
The magnificent Pantheon, built by the Romans as a temple to all of their gods, is the Eternal City's best-preserved monument. Engineers still admire how such a mathematically precise structure was...
ListenBasque Country: A Proud, Unique Culture from 2013-10-30T08:00
The ancient, free-spirited land of the Basques straddles France and Spain. These proud, industrious and independent people occupy a small yet diverse region between the Atlantic coast and the mount...
ListenSalzburg, Austria: The Sound of Music from 2013-10-23T08:00
Salzburg and its residents — at least its tourism industry — hum happily along to Mozart and The Sound of Music melodies. Thanks to its charming old town, splendid gardens, Baroque churches and fou...
ListenFlorence, Italy: Famous Dome and Bronze Doors from 2013-10-16T08:00
Florence's landmark Duomo (cathedral) is crowned by Brunelleschi's majestic dome — the first Renaissance dome and the model for many domes to follow (climb it for a glorious view). Nearby the Bapti...
ListenBalestrand, Norway: Smörgåsbord with a View from 2013-09-25T08:00
Little Balestrand on the Sognefjord is dwarfed by the surrounding mountainous scenery and serves as a springboard for local adventures. Balestrand has a long history of hosting tourists and its lan...
ListenLake District, England: Scenic Drive from 2013-09-18T08:00
Rick drives a 20-mile Lake District loop through pastoral valleys, over rugged mountain passes and beside peaceful lakes. Stops along the way include a family-run sheep farm which doubles as a B&B,...
ListenCopenhagen, Denmark: Happy-go-Lucky Nyhavn from 2013-09-11T08:00
Nyhavn ("New Harbor") is Copenhagen’s recently gentrified sailors' quarter. Wooden sailboats bob in the water next to trendy cafes, jazz clubs, and tattoo shops. The younger crowd hangs out drinkin...
ListenRome, Italy: Enjoying the Passeggiata from 2013-08-28T08:00
Rick meets one of his tour guides, Francesca, for Rome's ritual evening stroll — the passeggiata — on a walk that laces together its top after-dark hotspots. After the sun sets, the city cools down...
ListenParis, France: The Marais District from 2013-08-21T08:00
Paris' trendy Marais district serves up a moveable feast of fashion boutiques, quiet cafés, art galleries, narrow streets, leafy squares like the Place des Vosges, Jewish bakeries, aristocratic châ...
ListenFlorence, Italy: Antipasti Feast from 2013-08-14T08:00
Travelers dine like royalty at an "antipasto extravaganza" in one of Rick's favorite Florentine restaurants. Today the chef recommends a parade of plates including an assortment of salami, cheeses,...
ListenVenice, Italy: Get Lost from 2013-07-31T08:00
Most tourists never get beyond Venice's touristy main drag. Savvy travelers escape the center and its crowds to explore this city's unique labyrinth of picturesque alleys and canals. Don't worry ab...
ListenDurham, England: Magnificent Norman Cathedral from 2013-07-24T08:00
For nearly a thousand years, pilgrims have set their sights on Durham's great cathedral. Built around the year 1100 to house the bones of the great missionary monk, St. Cuthbert, this medieval chur...
ListenParis, France: Père Lachaise Cemetery from 2013-07-17T08:00
The Père Lachaise cemetery offers a stroll through a vast garden of permanent Parisians. The final resting place of many of the city's most notable citizens (Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde and Jim Morriso...
ListenRome, Italy: A Restaurant Respite from 2013-07-10T08:00
For a peaceful and local-feeling respite from the intensity of the big city, try one of my favorite restaurants in Rome: Ristorante il Gabriello. Claudio serves with charisma, while his brother Gab...
ListenLondon, England: The City and St. Paul's Cathedral from 2013-06-26T08:00
The historic core of London is a compact district known as "The City." This is Britain's Wall Street, thriving with big time commerce and packed with banks and Sir Christopher Wren's churches. His ...
ListenVenice, Italy: Chowing on Cicchetti from 2013-06-19T08:00
For a sightseeing break and a fun meal in Venice, explore the back lanes and pop into a rustic bar serving cicchetti — Venetian-style tapas. There's quite a variety, so try something new — and unus...
ListenLake District, England: Wordsworth Country from 2013-06-12T08:00
For poets, William Wordsworth's Dove Cottage is the top sight of the Lake District. Wordsworth — whose appreciation of nature and a back-to-basics lifestyle put this area on the map — spent his mos...
ListenRome, Italy: The Colosseum from 2013-05-29T08:00
Built in the 1st c AD when the Roman Empire peaked, the Colosseum represents Rome at its grandest. This colossal structure is a massive marvel of engineering. Ancient Romans, whose taste for violen...
ListenLondon, England: Westminster Abbey from 2013-05-22T08:00
Kings and queens have been crowned and buried since 1066 here in this most historic church in the English-speaking world. Filled with the remains of people who put the Great in Britain — saints, mu...
ListenLucca, Italy: Beautifully Preserved from 2013-05-15T08:00
Lucca is still contained within its massive Renaissance ramparts, which locals treat like a circular community park. A 2.5 mile path atop the walls is ideal for a loop on foot or by bike. Lacking "...
ListenParis, France: The Rodin Museum from 2013-04-24T08:00
Auguste Rodin was a modern Michelangelo, sculpting human figures on an epic scale, revealing through the body their deepest emotions. The Rodin Museum presents a full range of his work in marble an...
ListenParis, France: Window Licking in Paris from 2013-04-20T08:00
Paris is a leader in the fashion world, famous for its high end design. Here, window shopping (known to the French as "window licking") in the bountiful boutiques can be a cultural experience. Depa...
ListenRome, Italy: Borghese Gallery from 2013-04-17T08:00
More than just a great museum, the Borghese Gallery is a beautiful villa set in the leafy surrounding gardens. Art commissioned by the luxury-loving Borghese family is displayed in the fancy fresco...
ListenParis, France: Nighttime Sightseeing from 2013-04-10T08:00
For a lively and unique way to enjoy Paris, hire a car and driver for a magical after-dark blitz of the city's best views. The French raise floodlighting to an art form and monuments like the majes...
ListenEuropean Travel Skills: Hurdling the Language Barrier from 2013-03-27T08:00
Today's Europe is increasingly bilingual — and lucky for us English is its second language. You can manage just fine by being polite and by speaking clearly and slowly. Starting conversations with ...
ListenEuropean Travel Skills: Driving in Europe from 2013-03-20T08:00
Renting a car and driving in Europe is a breeze — cars get great mileage, distances are usually short, and roads are in excellent condition. Driving is ideal for countryside-focused trips and gives...
ListenEuropean Travel Skills: Arrival in Europe from 2013-03-13T08:00
Upon arrival in Europe, getting settled and oriented is a snap. Your first stop should be a tourist information booth, where you can pick up a map and ask questions. Zip into town on the efficient ...
ListenEuropean Travel Skills: Planning Your Itinerary from 2013-02-27T08:00
Developing a thoughtful itinerary helps make the most of a trip. Start by brainstorming a must-see wish list in logical geographic order, then pare it down based upon time and interest. Time spent ...
ListenKeswick, England: Communing with Nature from 2013-02-20T08:00
Located on a beautiful lake known as Derwentwater, Keswick is the ideal home base in North Lake District. The town's fine old buildings recall those Romantic era-days when big city folks flocked he...
ListenFlorence, Italy: Strolling the Oltrarno Neighborhood from 2013-02-13T08:00
There's much more to Florence than the touristy zone north of the Arno River. To discover rustic, old Florence cross the river and dive into the colorful Oltrarno district. Wander the back lanes an...
ListenVenice, Italy: Romantic Gondolas from 2013-01-30T08:00
One of Europe's great experiences is a Venetian gondola ride. An expensive rip-off for some, this peaceful glide through the canals is a traditional must for romantics. Wait till early evening, whe...
ListenLondon, England: The Docklands from 2013-01-23T08:00
Survey London's skyline (or a Tube map), and it becomes clear that this grand city is shifting east. The thundering heart of this new London is the Docklands. Nestled around a hairpin bend in the T...
ListenParis, France: Rue Cler Street Market from 2013-01-16T08:00
Rick tags along with a local woman as she shops in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower on Rue Cler, picking out fresh ingredients for that night's dinner party. Paris abounds with atmospheric street mar...
ListenSeason 7 Preview — European Travel Skills Part II from 2012-12-26T08:00
The seventh season of Rick Steves' Europe — 14 new episodes — debuts this Fall on public television (check your local listings). This three-part special distills Rick Steves' 30 years of travel exp...
ListenSeason 7 Preview — European Travel Skills Part I from 2012-12-19T08:00
The seventh season of Rick Steves' Europe — 14 new episodes — debuts this Fall on public television (check your local listings). This three-part special distills Rick Steves' 30 years of travel exp...
ListenSeason 7 Preview — Venice and its Lagoon from 2012-12-12T08:00
The seventh season of Rick Steves' Europe — 14 new episodes — debuts this Fall on public television (check your local listings). In this episode, we'll sample the treasures of Venice's Accademia Ga...
ListenSeason 7 Preview — North England's Lake District and Durham from 2012-11-28T08:00
The seventh season of Rick Steves' Europe — 14 new episodes — debuts this Fall on public television (check your local listings).
ListenSeason 7 Preview — London: Historic and Dynamic from 2012-11-21T08:00
The seventh season of Rick Steves' Europe — 14 new episodes — debuts this Fall on public television (check your local listings). In this week's episode, we'll visit many-faceted London, where we'll...
ListenSeason 7 Preview — Paris: Embracing Life and Art from 2012-11-14T08:00
The seventh season of Rick Steves' Europe — 14 new episodes — debuts this Fall on public television (check your local listings). Returning to Europe's "City of Light," we ride a unicorn into the Mi...
ListenSeason 7 Preview — Florentine Delights and Tuscan Side-Trips from 2012-10-31T08:00
The seventh season of Rick Steves' Europe — 14 new episodes — debuts this October on public television (check your local listings). In this second of two episodes on Florence, we'll enjoy more of t...
ListenSeason 7 Preview — Florence: Heart of the Renaissance from 2012-10-24T08:00
The seventh season of Rick Steves' Europe — 14 new episodes — debuts this October on public television (check your local listings). Fifteenth-century Florence was the home of the Renaissance and th...
ListenSeason 7 Preview — Rome: Back-Street Riches from 2012-10-17T08:00
The seventh season of Rick Steves' Europe — 14 new episodes — debuts this October on public television (check your local listings). In this third of three shows on the Eternal City, we'll explore t...
ListenSeason 7 Preview — Rome: Baroque Brilliance from 2012-10-10T08:00
The seventh season of Rick Steves' Europe — 14 new episodes — debuts this October on public television (check your local listings). This second of three episodes on Rome reveals a city busy with li...
ListenSeason 7 Preview — Rome: Ancient Glory from 2012-09-26T08:00
The seventh season of Rick Steves’ Europe — 14 new episodes — debuts this October on public television (check your local listings). Part one of three on the Eternal City, this episode resurrects th...
ListenDublin, Ireland: Trinity College from 2012-09-19T08:00
Trinity College — founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I in the center of Dublin — has long been Ireland's most prestigious college. The big draw on campus for tourists is the precious Book of Kells,...
ListenTrebinje, Bosnia-Herzegovina: Charming Market Town from 2012-09-12T08:00
Trebinje, nestled along a river in a fertile valley just over the border from Dubrovnik, is a showcase town of the semi-autonomous Serb state called Republika Srpska. It's a pleasant and relatively...
ListenTerezín, Czech Republic: Concentration Camp Memorial from 2012-08-29T08:00
Terezín, an hour north of Prague, was built by the Habsburgs in the 1780s as a fortified town with (still intact) massive state-of-the-art, star-shaped walls designed to keep out the Prussians. In ...
ListenAmalfi Coast, Italy: Illustrious Seaside Town from 2012-08-22T08:00
The town of Amalfi is perched on Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast just south of Naples. Amalfi has a proud history that peaked in the 10th century when it was a maritime trading power with a fleet tha...
ListenOslo, Norway: Fantastic Folk Museum from 2012-08-15T08:00
The Norwegian Folk Museum keeps traditional culture alive for visitors to Norway's capital. Over 150 old buildings from all corners of the country have been reassembled in a sprawling park. Costume...
ListenIstanbul, Turkey: Hagia Sophia from 2012-07-25T08:00
Hagia Sophia has served over the centuries as one of the greatest houses of worship in both the Christian and Muslim worlds. It was built as a church in the Byzantine style in A.D. 537 when Europe ...
ListenZagreb, Croatia: Lively and Livable Capital from 2012-07-18T08:00
You can't get a complete picture of modern Croatia without a visit to the lively and livable city that is home to one out of every six Croatians — Zagreb. You'll find historic neighborhoods, a thri...
ListenLeón, Spain: Remarkable Religious Art from 2012-07-11T08:00
Lively León is a sizeable city with a delightfully compact Old Town full of small-town atmosphere. A key stopping place for centuries on the Camino de Santiago, León has a pair of sights that serve...
ListenAix-en-Provence, France: Living Well and Looking Good from 2012-06-27T08:00
Aix-en-Provence is famous for its elegant streets and squares, markets, beautiful people, and ability to embrace the good life. For a tourist, Aix is happily free of any obligatory turnstiles — the...
ListenEdinburgh, Scotland: Iconic Castle from 2012-06-20T08:00
Edinburgh Castle is the fortified birthplace of the city. Used as both a fort and a royal residence since the 11th century, most of the castle buildings today are from its more recent function as a...
ListenTallinn, Estonia: Two Medieval Towns from 2012-06-13T08:00
Tallinn, like many parts of the Baltic states, has modernized at an astounding rate since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Yet the Old World ambience within its walled town center has been be...
ListenBrú na Bóinne, Ireland: Prehistoric Burial Mounds from 2012-05-30T08:00
One hour north of Dublin in the Boyne River valley, evocative 5000-year-old (older than the pyramids!) burial mounds sprout from the lush Irish countryside. The best place for a glimpse of prehisto...
ListenBarcelona, Spain: Inviting Beaches and Intriguing Gothic Quarter from 2012-05-23T08:00
Barcelona's once-seedy waterfront was completely transformed when the Olympics were held here in 1992. The man-made beaches — a series of golden crescents that stretch for miles along the Mediterra...
ListenMycenae, Greece: Ancient and Mysterious from 2012-05-16T08:00
Mycenae, a hilltop fortress located on the Peloponnesian Peninsula SW of Athens was the hub of a mighty civilization that dominated the Greek world between 1600 and 1200 B.C., a thousand years befo...
ListenYork, England: Walled City Packed with Sights from 2012-04-25T08:00
After London, York is hands-down the best sightseeing city in England. Everything that's great about Britain finds its best expression in this manageable walled town. York delights with its cobbled...
ListenFrench Basque Country: A Cultural Blend from 2012-04-18T08:00
The land where Spain and France meet the Atlantic is Basque Country. Compared to their more stridently Basque neighbors across the border in Spain, Basques living in France seem more integrated int...
ListenHelsinki, Finland: Vibrant Baltic City from 2012-04-11T08:00
Finland's leading city, with over half a million people, is the only European capital with no medieval past. Founded in the 16th century by the Swedes, the Russians took over Finland in 1809 and mo...
ListenHarran, Turkey: Ancient City of Abraham from 2012-03-28T08:00
Centuries of wind and warriors have rounded the corners of Harrans' fortress. Here, 500 miles SE of Istanbul near the Syrian border it seems the people and their ways of life have changed little. M...
ListenCapri, Italy: Pricey Towns and Priceless Views from 2012-03-21T08:00
The Isle of Capri, a short boat ride from Sorrento or Naples is well worth a visit. The main town of Capri sits in a saddle above the port. The main square of this cute and touristy shopping mecca ...
ListenSolvorn, Norway: Idyllic Fjordside Town from 2012-03-14T08:00
For a taste of Norway's romanticism, visit the mellow town of Solvorn with its dramatic setting on the Lustrafjord, an arm of the majestic Sognefjord. This sleepy village, with colorful boathouses ...
ListenLake Bled, Slovenia: Natural Beauty from 2012-02-29T08:00
Lake Bled — nestled in NW Slovenia's Julian Alps — comes complete with a sweeping mountain panorama, a cliff-hanging castle, a lazy lakeside promenade, and the country's most sought-after desserts....
ListenRonda, Spain: Gorge-Straddling Hill Town from 2012-02-22T08:00
Spaniards know Ronda, one of the White Hill Towns of Andalucía, as the cradle of modern bullfighting and for its stunning cliffside location. The real joy of Ronda lies in exploring the old and new...
ListenStockholm, Sweden: Gamla Stan from 2012-02-15T08:00
Stockholm's compact island core is charming, photogenic, and full of antiques shops, street lanterns and surprises like the beautiful Lutheran cathedral . The main drag is a favorite with shoppers ...
ListenSplit, Croatia: Modern City on Ancient Roots from 2012-01-25T08:00
Split's residents are literally living in a Roman palace. In the fourth century AD the Roman Emperor Diocletian retired and built a vast residence to live out his golden years here in his native Da...
ListenCórdoba, Spain: Magnificent Mezquita from 2012-01-18T08:00
Tucked into a bend of its river, Córdoba is rich in Roman, Moorish and Christian history. Within massive old town walls, inviting courtyards and convivial squares beckon. The heart of the city is ...
ListenBelfast, Northern Ireland: A Black Cab Tour of Falls Road from 2012-01-11T08:00
A cab is the best way to tour Belfast's sectarian neighborhoods and their gripping political murals. Just west of downtown, Falls Road (Catholic) and the Shankhill Road (Protestant) are two well-kn...
ListenHillerød, Denmark: Stunning Frederiksborg Castle from 2011-12-28T08:00
Just outside of Copenhagen is Frederiksborg castle, built in the early 1600s by Denmark's greatest king, Christian IV. Many consider this "Danish Versailles" to be the grandest castle in all of Sca...
ListenRothenburg, Germany: Christmas Tree Traditions from 2011-12-21T08:00
Christmas in Europe is rich with tradition. About 500 years ago Germany was the first place where decorated trees became a part of Christmas celebrations, though the use of trees during a winter fe...
ListenBasque Country: St. Jean-de-Luz from 2011-12-14T08:00
The colorful, compact Basque region hugs the Atlantic coast, straddling northeast Spain and southwest France. St. Jean-de-Luz, France is a relaxing little port to "come home" to, with its mellow am...
ListenBarcelona, Spain: Parc Güell from 2011-11-30T08:00
For a playful dose of architectural genius, visit Gaudí's colorful Parc Güell. Gaudí intended this 30-acre garden to be a 60-residence housing project — a kind of gated community. As a high-end hou...
ListenDelphi, Greece: Spectacular Ancient Site from 2011-11-23T08:00
Ancient Delphi, perched high on the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, was not a city. It was the site of the oracle of Apollo, god of the sun. People would journey here from all over the known world to seek...
ListenConwy, Wales: Charming Garrison Town from 2011-11-16T08:00
The fortified castle town of Conwy was a safe base in the 13th century for the English invaders as they tried (and tried) to put down the angry Welsh insurgency. Today the harbor — once vital for m...
ListenSlovenia: Julian Alps and So?a River Valley from 2011-10-26T08:00
This northwestern corner of Slovenia is busy with visitors both winter and summer. The Julian Alps, laced with hiking paths and alpine villages, and the milky-blue So?a River flowing down into the ...
ListenSwitzerland's Jungfrau Region: Interlaken and Swiss Military Secrets from 2011-10-19T08:00
Interlaken, one of the Alps' original resorts, is a useful springboard for alpine thrills. And, when the famous peaks get socked in by clouds, you can choose from some interesting lowland options. ...
ListenRothenburg, Germany: Medieval Wonders from 2011-10-12T08:00
Rothenburg — Germany's best-preserved medieval walled town — houses the country's best wood carving, a vivid dose of medieval punishment, and an entertaining tour into the past with the Night Watch...
ListenVienna, Austria: St. Stephen's Cathedral from 2011-09-28T08:00
The massive St. Stephen's Cathedral is the Gothic needle around which Vienna spins. While heavily damaged in WWII, the church survived. Today it symbolizes the city's freedom and proud spirit. For ...
ListenPositano, Italy: Jewel of the Amalfi Coast from 2011-09-28T08:00
Specializing in scenery, shopping and sand, the resort town of Positano hangs on the most spectacular stretch of the coast. It's a pleasant gathering of cafés, galleries, and boutiques. There's lit...
ListenStockholm, Sweden: Nobel's Home from 2011-09-21T08:00
Opened in 2001 for the 100-year anniversary of the Nobel Prize, Stockholm's wonderful Nobel Museum tells the story of the world's most prestigious award. The annual Nobel Prize banquet is held a sh...
ListenDubrovnik, Croatia: Restored and Thriving from 2011-09-14T08:00
Confined within its walls as it has been for centuries, Dubrovnik juts out from the rocky Croatian coastline looking inviting from both the land and the sea. Though the war killed tourism in the 19...
ListenAlbi, France: Worthy Stop in the Languedoc from 2011-08-31T08:00
Albi's massive Roman Catholic cathedral, St. Cécile, looks less like a church and more like a fortress — on purpose. It was built in a time when the pope felt compelled to make it clear that the on...
ListenNorthern Spain: Walking the Camino de Santiago from 2011-08-24T08:00
The Camino de Santiago — literally the "Way of St. James" — is Europe's ultimate pilgrimage route. Since the Middle Ages, pilgrims have walked hundreds of miles across North Spain to pay homage to ...
ListenIstanbul, Turkey: Enjoying a Turkish Bath from 2011-08-17T08:00
Istanbul is a city of experiences and one of the most memorable is enjoying a Turkish bath. Turks brought the steam bath with them from Central Asia, blended it with the Roman bath culture they fou...
ListenHelsinki, Finland: Relaxing by Boat and Sauna from 2011-08-10T08:00
Helsinki is set in a natural wonderland, and the several-hundred islands of its archipelago provide a delightful playground for a boat tour. We also visit a sauna, which, for the Finns, is a lifest...
ListenAmalfi Coast, Italy: Serene Sorrento from 2011-07-27T08:00
Wedged on a ledge under the mountains and over the sea, spritzed by lemon and orange groves, Sorrento is an attractive resort; well-located both as a springboard for regional sightseeing and as a f...
ListenBruges, Belgium: The Art of Flemish Fries from 2011-07-20T08:00
French fries, called Flemish fries in northern Dutch-speaking Belgium, are a local specialty. They taste so good because they're deep-fried twice — once to cook and once to brown. To eat like a loc...
ListenHonfleur, France: Easygoing Marina from 2011-07-13T08:00
Honfleur escaped the bombs of World War II, and feels as picturesque as it looks. For over a thousand years, sailors have enjoyed Honfleur's ideal location, where the Seine River meets the English ...
ListenKarst, Slovenia: Dramatic Škocjan Cave from 2011-06-29T08:00
Slovenia's Karst region — a high, fertile, and windblown plateau — is honeycombed with a vast network of caves and underground rivers. The most dramatic cave to tour is Škocjan, with a breathtaking...
ListenJerez, Andalucía: Dazzling Horses and Velvety Sherry from 2011-06-22T08:00
Andalucía's rich heritage is alive in today's culture and it expresses itself in iconic themes. The town of Jerez is famous for three of them: dazzling horses, velvety sherry, and a spring fair tha...
ListenRovinj, Croatia: Istria's Old World Oasis from 2011-06-15T08:00
Like the rest of the Croatian coast, Rovinj was part of the Venetian Empire for centuries. And Istria remained part of Italy until after WWII. That's why this region is enthusiastically bi-lingual ...
ListenPeloponnese, Greece: Rugged Mani Peninsula from 2011-05-25T08:00
While most visitors to Greece's Peloponnese enjoy the same tourist stops, a three-hour drive takes you off the beaten path to the timless and rustic south coast. Its southernmost point, the Mani Pe...
ListenPortrush, Northern Ireland: The Playground of Ulster from 2011-05-18T08:00
Portrush is North Ireland's favorite resort, filled with family-oriented amusements, fun eateries and cheap and cheery B and Bs.
ListenGiverny, France: Monet's Gardens from 2011-05-11T08:00
Claude Monet, the father of the Impressionist movement, spent his last 40 years in Giverny finding inspiration in these gardens. He diverted a stream, made a pond, filled it with water lilies and b...
ListenOban, Scotland: Classic Scottish Port Town from 2011-04-27T08:00
Oban, the "Gateway to the Isles," is a busy little ferry terminal. The wind, boats, gulls, layers of islands, and the promise of a wide-open Atlantic beyond give a shiver-and-bustle vitality to thi...
ListenIstanbul, Turkey: The Topkap? Palace from 2011-04-20T08:00
Our storybook image of the Ottomans — sultans, harems, eunuchs — is best experienced here, in the Topkap? Palace. Built in the late 15th century, this was the power center of the Ottoman Empire for...
ListenMürren, Switzerland: Exploring the Swiss Alps by Bike from 2011-04-13T08:00
Mürren is a good starting point for mountain biking, popular here in the Alps. Small service roads and well-marked intersections make biking easy. Follow Rick on his loop trip down into the valley ...
ListenBasque Country: Seaside San Sebastián from 2011-03-30T08:00
Shimmering above its breathtaking bay, elegant and prosperous San Sebastián — or Donostia as locals call their town — is your best home base for exploring Basque country. It boasts one of Europe's ...
ListenGalicia, Spain: Santiago de Compostela from 2011-03-23T08:00
Santiago, the final destination of an ancient pilgrimage route, has long had a powerful and mysterious draw on travelers. Strolling across its squares and under its grand churches, you can imagine ...
ListenTallinn, Estonia: Old World Meets New from 2011-03-16T08:00
Tallinn is a mix of east and west. Its Nordic Lutheran culture and language connect it with Scandinavia's Stockholm and Helsinki. But two centuries of Tsarist Russian rule and nearly 50 years as pa...
ListenOslo, Norway: Discussing Norway's Social System from 2011-02-23T08:00
For the people of Oslo, their fjord is a natural wonderland. And it's a beautiful backdrop for Rick to discuss Norway's social system with his Norwegian cousin. For more information on the Rick Ste...
ListenGibraltar: The Rock from 2011-02-16T08:00
The Rock of Gibraltar stands like a fortress at the gateway to the Mediterranean. With its strategic setting, Gibraltar has an illustrious military history and remnants of its martial past are ever...
ListenMontenegro: Country of Contrasts from 2011-01-26T08:00
One of Europe's newest and smallest countries, Montenegro is about the size of Connecticut, with well under a million people. It's a country of contrasts: an intriguing combination of rugged landsc...
ListenHvar, Croatia: Made for Relaxing from 2011-01-19T08:00
Handy boat connections make the island of Hvar a popular stop off the Dalmatian coast. Activities are low energy. Expertly enjoying this town, seemingly made for relaxing, yachters stern tie into t...
ListenBasque Country: Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum from 2011-01-12T08:00
Bilbao has recently been transformed from a gritty steel town to a happening cultural center like no other Spanish city. A modern light rail line conveniently laces the old town with points along t...
ListenHelsinki, Finland: Suomenlinna Island and Fortress from 2010-12-29T08:00
Helsinki's most important sight is Suomenlinna, an island guarding Helsinki's harbor that served as a strategic fortress for three countries: Sweden, Russia, and then Finland. It's now a popular pa...
ListenStockholm, Sweden: Cruising the Archipelago from 2010-12-22T08:00
Stockholm's vast archipelago is an amazing playground of literally thousands of islands stretching 80 miles from the city. Catch a ferry with the locals and grab a perch on the breezy sundeck with ...
ListenJotunheim, Norway: Home of the Giants from 2010-12-15T08:00
Norway's Jotunheim, or, "home of the giants," is a high plateau that feels like the top of the world. These are northern Europe's highest mountains, steeped in Norse legends and folk lore, and home...
ListenGranada, Spain: The Exquisite Alhambra from 2010-11-24T08:00
Granada's dominant sight is the Alhambra, the last and greatest Moorish palace. For two centuries, until 1492, Granada reigned as the capital of a dwindling Moorish empire. As Christian forces push...
ListenPiran, Slovenia: Adriatic Resort from 2010-11-17T08:00
Slovenia enjoys a 29-mile stretch of Adriatic seafront, and its best stop is the town of Piran. As with most towns on the Adriatic, Piran was long ruled by nearby Venice and retains its Venetian fl...
ListenMostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina: Rebuilt and Healing from 2010-11-10T08:00
Mostar, straddling its beloved river, is the leading city of the southern part of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Its 400-year-old stone bridge was once a symbol of multi-cultural community but collapsed under...
ListenDordogne, France: Lascaux's Prehistoric Cave Paintings from 2010-10-27T08:00
From about 18,000 to 10,000 b.c., long before Stonehenge and the pyramids, back when mammoths and saber-toothed cats still roamed the earth, prehistoric people painted deep inside caves in what is ...
ListenBath, England: Neoclassical Royal Crescent and Circus from 2010-10-20T08:00
Bath has long been famous for its hot springs, and it was a popular spa town for the ancient Romans. When revitalized in the 18th century, local architects were inspired by the Italian architect An...
ListenCashel, Ireland: The Rock of Cashel from 2010-09-29T08:00
The dramatic Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most evocative sites. On this historic rock, you can stroll among the ruins in the footsteps of St. Patrick, and, wandering through Rick's favorite C...
ListenBerner Oberland, Switzerland: Hiking in the Alps from 2010-09-22T08:00
In the Alps, get an early start when the peaks are clear. Gondola lifts take you to the high points effortlessly, where level trails are thoughtfully signposted, and dotted with tame cows and goats...
ListenCefalù, Sicily: Romantic Port Town from 2010-09-15T08:00
Cefalù, dramatically situated on the north coast, is one of Sicily's many romantic port towns. Rick tours the medieval-walled town by Vespa, samples Mediterranean cuisine, and meets a local fisherm...
ListenBudapest, Hungary: Great Market Hall from 2010-08-25T08:00
Budapest's Great Indoor Market Hall is a commotion of produce stands, butcher stalls, peppers and spices. Paprika — a dominant spice in Hungarian cuisine — is everywhere, in varieties ranging from ...
ListenVienna, Austria: Austria's Greatest Art Collection — The Kunsthistorisches Museum from 2010-08-18T08:00
At their peak of power in the 1500s, the Habsburg family ruled Austria, Germany, northern Italy, the Netherlands, and even Spain. And Vienna's Kunsthistorisches (Art History) Museum offers great ar...
ListenCoimbra, Portugal: Concentrated Culture from 2010-08-11T08:00
Coimbra is Portugal's third-largest city and home to the country's oldest and most prestigious university. Coimbra is a mini-Lisbon: everything good about urban Portugal without the intensity of a ...
ListenBarcelona, Spain: A Trip Down the Ramblas from 2010-07-28T08:00
Barcelona's ever-popular strolling boulevard is the Ramblas. While souvenir shops and crowds of tourists have diluted its former elegance, it still offers an entertaining introduction to the city. ...
ListenZürich, Switzerland: Cobbled Streets and Elegant Shops from 2010-07-21T08:00
Switzerland's biggest city, Zürich, consistently ranks as one of the world's most livable cities. Its lake front is a spring board for romantic walks, and the old town is lively night and day with ...
ListenRome, Italy: An Evening Stroll from 2010-07-14T08:00
Modern Rome's main street Via Del Corso becomes a pedestrian boulevard late in the day. As the sun goes down, the people come out for their evening passegiata, or stroll. For more information on th...
ListenThe Languedoc, France: Carcassonne — Europe's Ultimate Fortress City from 2010-06-30T08:00
The Languedoc region's hard-fought past and independent spirit is evident in its old fortifications, fine art, and a culture distinct from the rest of France that survives to this day. Its fortifie...
ListenKenmare, Ireland: The Ring of Kerry from 2010-06-23T08:00
The eternal beauty of the Irish landscape is most breath-taking with a sweep around the Ring of Kerry. And a great jumping-off point for this tour is Kenmare, with its cozy feel and close proximity...
ListenMunich, Germany: The Old Center and Viktualienmarkt from 2010-06-16T08:00
Munich is considered Germany's most livable city. While packed with history, it's also this country's Hollywood and Silicone Valley, all rolled into one. This city celebrates its traditions with gu...
ListenTrebon, Czech Republic: Fish Ponds and Peat Spas from 2010-05-19T08:00
Centuries ago lake-builders of Trebon employed ingenious techniques to transform flooding marshland into a clever combination of lakes, oak-lined dikes, and peat bogs. Today those peat bogs supply ...
ListenAthens, Greece: The Tranquil Anafiotika Neighborhood from 2010-05-12T08:00
Hike to the top of the Plaka and explore the charming "village" of Anafiotika, built in the 19th century by people from the tiny Cycladic island of Anafi who came here to the big city looking for w...
ListenWest Turkey: The Ancient City of Ephesus from 2010-04-28T08:00
Rick resurrects some Ephesian rubble with Mehlika Seval, who wrote THE guidebook on one of Turkey's greatest ancient sites — Ephesus. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — inc...
ListenBudapest: The Communist All-Stars of Statue Park from 2010-04-21T08:00
When regimes fall, so do their monuments. Budapest saved its souvenirs of totalitarianism and shows them off here, at Statue Park. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — includ...
ListenSalzburg, Austria: Sampling Schnapps on Getreidegasse from 2010-03-31T08:00
Old Salzburg's busy and colorful main drag was, and still is, Getreidegasse. Amidst all the tourists and chain outlets, you'll find purely local hangouts like the Sporer family schnapps shop. This ...
ListenBurgundy: The Wine of the Cote d'Or from 2010-03-24T08:00
Burgundy is a big part of why France is famous for wine. The rolling hills of the Côte d'Or are blanketed by lovingly tended vineyards which, to the connoisseur, are a kind of pilgrimage. A bike ro...
ListenVienna's Wine Gardens: Heurigen from 2010-03-17T08:00
The uniquely Viennese institution of Heurige is two things: a young wine, and a place to drink it. Long ago, when the Habsburg Emperors let Vienna's vintners sell their own new wine tax-free, sever...
ListenLuzern, Switzerland: Picture-Perfect from 2010-03-10T08:00
Since the Romantic era in the 19th century, Luzern has been a regular stop on the "Grand Tour" route of Europe. Its inviting lake front includes a modern concert hall, picture-perfect 14th-century ...
ListenNorth Wales: Caernarfon Castle from 2010-03-03T08:00
Caernarfon was the most expensive castle an English king ever built, and one of few to achieve architecture, art and defensibility at the same time. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe ...
ListenSide Trip: Barcelona to Montserrat from 2010-02-24T08:00
An hour inland from Barcelona, the heart of Catalyuna beckons with the impenetrable monastery of Montserrat. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptio...
ListenIstanbul's Grand Bazaar from 2010-02-17T08:00
In many ways Istanbul's Grand Bazaar remains much as it was centuries ago: enchanting and perplexing visitors with its mazelike network of more than 4,000 colorful shops, fragrant eateries, and ins...
ListenDordogne, France: Perfectly Medieval Beynac from 2010-02-10T08:00
The feudal village of Beynac is a perfectly preserved medieval village, with the Dordogne River at its doorstep. In villages like this, there's nothing to really "tour." It's just plain pretty. For...
ListenRural Egypt and the Nile from 2010-01-27T08:00
A ten-minute bike ride takes Rick beyond the famous sights of Egypt into a timeless village untouched by tourism. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descr...
ListenCzech Republic: Bohemia and the Time-Warp Town of Cesky Krumlov from 2010-01-22T08:00
The enchanting town of Cesky Krumlov — buried in the hills of Bohemia, lassoed by its river and dominated by its castle — feels lost in a time warp. Its delightful Old Town of shops and cobbled lan...
ListenLisbon, Portugal: Belem District from 2010-01-13T08:00
Rick visits Lisbon's Belém District, a stately pincushion of important sights, including one of Europe's top coach museums. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including epi...
ListenGreece's Peloponnese: Nafplion from 2009-12-30T08:00
The city of Nafplion — one of Greece's prettiest towns — is the perfect base for exploring the northeast corner of the Peloponnesian Peninsula. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV se...
ListenBest of the Alps: Gimmelwald from 2009-12-23T08:00
Unlike neighboring resort towns, Switzerland's Gimmelwald remains a vital community of families — locally owned and proud of it. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — includin...
ListenBest of the Alps: Gimmelwald from 2009-12-23T08:00
Unlike neighboring resort towns, Switzerland's Gimmelwald remains a vital community of families — locally owned and proud of it. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — includin...
ListenBest of the Alps: Gimmelwald from 2009-12-23T08:00
Unlike neighboring resort towns, Switzerland's Gimmelwald remains a vital community of families — locally owned and proud of it. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — includin...
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